For three hours Thursday afternoon, educators, elected officials and friends gathered at Cannon County High School to celebrate the career of Director of Schools William Freddy Curtis.

Curtis, a life-long educator has worked in the field for 37 years.  In his time as part of the Cannon system he served as a teacher, principal and director of schools. The directors current contract ends June 30^th, he announced his decision to retire to the board late last year.

The reception was hosted by the Cannon County Board of Education.  The director position will be filled by Bonnie Patterson. 

Today, U.S. Representative John Rose voted “Yes” on H.R. 467, the Halt Fentanyl Act, which would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and allow law enforcement officials to continue seizing them at our borders and in communities across the United States.

The bipartisan legislation passed 289-133.

Rep. Rose released the following statement:

“Without this legislation, homegrown fentanyl would effectively become street legal. Our law enforcement officers would lose their ability to seize this deadly drug in our communities and at the southern border,” Rep. Rose said. “As the number one killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 49, it’s a no-brainer to permanently criminalize this deadly drug.” 

The current Schedule I designation for fentanyl-related substances is set to expire Dec. 31, 2024, effectively legalizing many variations of the deadly drug, until the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has identified and scheduled each chemical formula individually. As of December 2022, the DEA reported 38 new substances meeting the definition of fentanyl-related substances. By placing all fentanyl-related substances in Schedule 1, H.R. 467 aims to remove the incentive for producers of homegrown or chemically altered fentanyl drugs.

Road Construction will not delay motorists as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Friday, May 26 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.

“Suspending construction-related lane closures during the Memorial Day weekend will lessen congestion and delays on Tennessee’s major highways,” said Commissioner Butch Eley. “We want to do our part to help everyone have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend and keep traffic flowing as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”

Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions while traveling through long-term construction projects. In addition, drivers should know that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

AAA predicts 751,000 Tennesseans will hit the road for Memorial Day weekend. That’s 40,500 more than last year during the long holiday travel period.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also call 511 for travel information. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Donny Green, in DeKalb and Cannon counties, reminds producers of agricultural commodities that the signup period for the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) ends Friday, June 2,2023.

Producers of eligible commodities who suffered at least a 15% loss in gross revenue in calendar year 2020, as compared to either 2018 or 2019 gross revenue, could qualify for direct financial assistance. An agricultural commodity means a crop, aquaculture, livestock, livestock byproduct, or other animal or animal byproduct that is produced as part of a farming operation and is intended to be commercially marketed.

Although not required, interested producers can bring their 2018, 2019, and 2020 IRS Schedule F, Form 1099, or other Federal tax forms to the DeKalb-Cannon County Farm Service Agency to receive assistance in determining revenue loss from these documents.

Please visit the DeKalb/Cannon County FSA office, located at 647 Bright Hill Rd, Smithville, or call 615-597-8225, before the June 2, 2023 signup deadline to inquire about eligibility for financial assistance provided by the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP).

Today, the Tennessee Department of Education released statewide average scores that show historic gains in third grade reading after the launch of a new, comprehensive K-3 literacy strategy for Tennessee public schools. The department also shared multiple pathways to support student promotion to fourth grade.  

“The ability to read at grade level determines a student’s success in the classroom and beyond, and we’re encouraged that our strategic literacy investments have already resulted in historic gains across the state,” said Governor Bill Lee. “As we continue our work to deliver strong reading skills to benefit every student, we’re committed to giving families multiple pathways that will support student promotion and achievement.” 

On the spring 2023 Tennessee Comprehensive Academic Program (TCAP), third grade students showed significant improvement in English Language Arts (ELA), including:  

·    The largest increase in a single year of third graders whose ELA scores met or exceeded expectations since Tennessee updated its ELA academic standards in 2017.  

·    Forty percent of third grade students scored proficient in ELA – a 4.3 percentage point increase from the previous year.  

·    The largest percentage of third grade students scoring in the top performance category in over a decade, with overall proficiency growing by almost eight percentage points from 2021 decreases impacted by the pandemic. 

“Students, teachers, districts, and families have worked incredibly hard to improve reading proficiency in Tennessee and their efforts should be celebrated,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “The significant gains that we see on the 3rd grade ELA TCAP reflect the success that schools across the state are seeing under Reading 360 and other literacy efforts and will change the lives of thousands of students. While we still have a long way to go before we reach the goals laid out in legislation, I appreciate the ongoing efforts of Tennessee schools as they implement summer and tutoring programs to provide students not yet on grade level with the supports they need to thrive.” 

Reading is the foundation to all learning, and third grade is a critical milestone for every student. Before the pandemic, only one-third of third graders in Tennessee had met expectations on the TCAP in English Language Arts (ELA), the best standardized proxy for reading achievement. The department’s Reading 360 initiative as well as other supports have created a comprehensive approach to ensure Tennessee can boost reading skills in kindergarten through third grade students who can read on grade level.   

In reviewing third grade ELA proficiency since 2017, statewide TCAP data shows the positive impact of enhanced ELA academic standards that went into effect in 2017, the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related school closures, and the post-pandemic rebound achieving the state’s highest ever rates of third grade ELA proficiency.  

Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly convened a special legislative session in January 2021 to pass meaningful legislation to mitigate learning loss and strengthen Tennessee’s K-3 literacy strategy, including the Tennessee Literacy Success Act and the Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act.  

Beginning this summer, students who will benefit from additional learning supports may qualify for a summer learning camp opportunity and participation requirements for promotion to fourth grade. In the coming weeks, districts and schools will work with families to determine the best pathway for their student. 

This year the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to extend summer learning camps and expand the eligibility age to rising kindergarten through 9th grade. Beginning this summer, students who will benefit from additional learning supports may qualify for a summer learning camp opportunity and participation requirements for promotion to fourth grade. In the coming weeks, districts and schools will work with families to determine the best pathway for their student. 

“We received our Third Grade Scores late Friday Afternoon, May 19^th, 2023,” said William Freddy Curtis, Director Cannon County Schools. “We are currently determining a pathway to Fourth (4^th) Grade for each individual Third (3^rd) Grade Student based upon multiple data points, including Third (3^rd) Grade ELA Assessment Retakes that have taken place for some students. Elementary School Administrators have been in contact with Parents/Guardians regarding the appropriate pathway to Fourth (4th) Grade for their child.”

Third grade students who scored “below” or “approaching” are eligible and will be prioritized for these supports, although some students may meet certain exceptions outlined in the law.  

Families can find critical timeline information posted on the department’s website and should coordinate with their student’s school to ensure they can make informed decisions about their student’s education.  

For additional information about Tennessee’s third grade acceleration strategy, visit https://www.tn.gov/education/top-links/learning-acceleration.html.  

For more information on Reading360, visit https://www.tn.gov/education/reading-360.html.  

Donny Green, DeKalb-Cannon County FSA County Executive Director, announces that the nomination period for the 2023 Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee Election is underway. The nomination period continues through August 1, 2023.

“I encourage all producers to participate in the county committee election process by nominating candidates by the August 1 deadline,” said Green. “We are counting on as much participation as possible, because county committees are an important link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We have seen a trend in recent years of increased nominations of minority, beginning farmers, and women producers and we hope that will continue.”

Committees apply their judgment and knowledge to make decisions on county commodity price-support loan eligibility, establishment of allotments and yields, conservation programs, disaster programs, employment and other farm program-related issues. Nationwide, there are more than 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members who are elected by eligible local producers. Member serve three-year terms.

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.

Nominees must reside in Local Administrative Area (LAA) for which they are seeking to be elected. For the 2023 Election, the DeKalb-Cannon FSA County Committee Election will conduct elections in LAA # 2 (DeKalb County) and LAA # 4 (Cannon County). Below are the descriptions of the LAA’s that will be conducting elections this year: 

Local Administrative Area # 2, the portions of DeKalb County described as following:

West of a line where Hwy. 146 crosses the Cannon County line following Hwy. 146 north to Hodges Rd.; thence north to Tabernacle Rd.; following a line from Tabernacle Rd. to Dry Creek Rd.; west of Dry Creek Rd. to Hwy. 70 West; north of Hwy. 70 to Hwy. 96 North (Dale Ridge Rd.); west of Hwy. 96 North to Hwy. 141 (Wolf Creek Rd.);West of Hwy. 141 to Center Hill Dam; thence following the Caney Fork River north/northwest to the Smith County line; thence south of the Smith County line; thence east of the Wilson County line to the Cannon County line; northwest of the Cannon County line back to the intersection of Hwy. 146 and the DeKalb/Cannon County line. 

Local Administrative Area # 4, the portions of Cannon County described as following:

That portion of Cannon County that lies east of Highway 53 (a state highway that runs south from the DeKalb County line and north from the Coffee County Line).

Individuals may nominate themselves, or others, as a candidate. In addition, eligible candidates can be nominated by community-based and other organizations in the county where the election is being held before the close of the nomination period, especially groups representing socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.  Nominations and elections are open to all eligible candidates and voters without regard to race, color, religion, nation origin, age, sex, marital status or disability.  The nomination form (FSA-669A) is available at USDA Service Centers and online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections

Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters in LAA’s # 2 and # 4 on November 6, 2023. Completed ballots must be returned, either in person or postmarked, no later December 4, 2023. For more information about FSA county committees, visit the DeKalb/Cannon County USDA Service Center or call 615-597-8225, extension 2.

The state of Tennessee experienced lower unemployment in April, according to newly released data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). It is the second consecutive month the statewide jobless rate has dropped.

The April 2023 seasonally adjusted rate came in at 3.3%, 0.1 of a percentage point lower than the previous month and 0.1 of a percentage point away from the state’s all-time lowest unemployment rate of 3.2%.

In a year-to-year comparison, the state’s new unemployment rate was unchanged from April 2022.

Tennessee employers added 2,000 new nonfarm jobs to the state’s workforce between March and April. The education and health services sector accounted for most of the new jobs during the month. The government sector and the manufacturing sector added the next largest number of jobs to the state’s economy.

Between April 2022 and April 2023, the number of new nonfarm jobs in Tennessee grew by 90,000 positions. The leisure and hospitality sector reported the largest amount of growth during the year. The education and health services sector had the next largest increase, followed by the government sector.

As the school year nears an end, Tennessee employers have job openings ready and waiting for young people across the state. The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides job opportunities to Tennesseans ages 14 through 24. They can work up to eight weeks and can earn as much as $16 per hour. Young people interested in participating in the program should visit TNWorkReady.com or their local American Job Center for more information.

All Cannon County Schools will be closed for Students on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 & Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 for Staff Professional Development Days.

Director of Cannon County Schools – William Freddy Curtis stated, “ALL Cannon County Schools will be CLOSED for Students on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 & Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 for Staff Professional Development Days.  The Tennessee Department of Education has approved remaining Inclement Weather or Stockpile Days to be converted to Professional Development days for ALL Cannon County Schools Personnel.  Teachers will have training including the New Tennessee Math Standards, Resilient Training, Computer Science Training, and other essential training topics.  ALL Staff will receive an updated School Safety On-Line Training Webinar from the Tennessee Department of Education. Thursday, May 25^th, 2023 was already a “Teacher Work Day” on the Regular Cannon County Schools Adopted Calendar.”   

Curtis continued, “ALL Cannon County Schools’ Students will return on Friday, May 26^th, 2023 for an Abbreviated Day to pick up Report Cards. Buses will run on a regular schedule for regular morning pick-up and ALL Schools will dismiss at 9:00 AM with Buses running at that time.”

Our profiles of the members of the Class of 2023 at Cannon County High School continues this week. The students and broadcast hours are listed below.

Monday, May 15th

9am    Kacey Smotherman

10am  Carley Jo Teter

11am  Elizabeth Stanley

12pm  Vitelii Tilzo

1pm    Mason Lee Tramel

2pm    Kaden Thomas

3pm    Kelsey Underhill

Tuesday, May 15th

9am    Kierra Underman

10am  Kylie Underman

11am  Justin Watts

12pm  Houston Witty

1pm    Tiara Woodard

2pm    Sarah Grace Wheeler

3pm    Hayden Yochek

Wednesday, May 17th

9am    Brydon McCavanagh

10am  Leighanne Dodd

11am  Anaston Holt

Thursday, May 18th

9am    Houstion Whitty

10am  William Lorance

11am  Kaitlyn Ludac

Friday, May 19th

9am    Alexis Ludac (Salutatorian)

10am  Ethan Powell (Valedictorian)

Governor Bill Lee has signed strong school safety legislation into law and recognized the investment of more than $230 million to strengthen safety at public and private schools across Tennessee. 

“Nothing is more important than Tennessee students and teachers returning home from school safely each day,” said Gov. Lee. “Every year since 2019, we’ve worked with the General Assembly to prioritize school safety, and this year, we’ve passed significant measures to fund an armed SRO for every public school, enhance mental health support and boost physical security at public and private schools across Tennessee.” 

At the beginning of the 2023 legislative session, Gov. Lee introduced a bill to strengthen physical security at every public school and enhance accountability in school safety protocols, in addition to an initial budget proposal that included $30 million for 122 Homeland Security agents to serve students at both public and private schools in every Tennessee county.

Following the tragic Covenant shooting, Gov. Lee worked with the General Assembly to enhance his legislation and increase funding in the Fiscal Year 23-24 budget to place an armed School Resource Officer (SRO) at every Tennessee public school, boost physical school security at public and private schools, and provide additional mental health resources for Tennesseans.

Enhanced School Safety Legislation

• Enacts a multi-tiered accountability plan to ensure exterior doors are locked while students are present
• Requires that private security guards receive active shooter training prior to being posted at schools 
• Requires every school district to establish threat assessment teams to ensure students are connected to support services and behavioral health professionals when appropriate
• Requires every public and private school to develop annual safety plans, including a newly required incident command drill for school leaders and law enforcement

$230 Million in School Safety Funding

• $30 million for more than 100 Homeland Security agents across all 95 counties to serve Tennesseans and students in both public and non-public schools
• $140 million for one full-time, armed School Resource Officer (SRO) for every public school
• $40 million for public school security upgrades
• $14 million for private school security upgrades
• $8 million for additional School-Based Behavioral Health Liaisons across the state

Since 2019, Gov. Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly have prioritized investments in school safety every year. In June 2021, the Governor signed Executive Order 97 and launched a statewide effort to enhance school safety by boosting collaboration among parents, schools and local law enforcement across the state. A complete list of Gov. Lee’s school safety actions to date can be found here.