News

America’s largest annual tree-planting event takes place this weekend across Tennessee. The day has been unanimously declared “Tennessee Tree Day 2023” by the Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Bill Lee, and it takes place on March 18. Over 8,000 Tennessee residents have signed up to plant more than 100,000 native trees during this event, organized by Tennessee Environmental Council, a non-profit organization.

“This is our 9th annual statewide tree-planting event, and it is inspiring to see so many Tennessee residents get involved, plant native trees and help improve our environment and communities,” says Jeffrey Barrie, CEO of Tennessee Environmental Council.

The Numbers:

• Total Tennessee counties participating: 95
• Total local tree-pick-up locations: 150
• Total planting locations: 8,000
• Total volunteers: more than 20,000
• Total native trees to be planted: 100,000

“Trees support clean air and water, increase property values, and provide cover and needed food, like nuts and berries, for wildlife,” said Patrick Fitzgerald, senior director of community habitat for the National Wildlife Federation, a long-time sponsor of the event. “NWF is proud to support this event year after year as a way to provide opportunities for all to learn about the environment and enjoy the many benefits of spending quality time outdoors in nature,” says Fitzgerald.

U.S. Rep. John Rose, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, former Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture, and local farmer, and Rep. Darren Soto, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, has introduced the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023. The bipartisan bill allows livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if they believe the vulture will cause death or injury to their livestock.

“Black vultures are a nuisance to livestock farmers and ranchers and pose a deadly threat to young calves and other animals. The current patchwork of regulations regarding the black vulture permit application process ties farmers in red tape,” said Rep. Rose the bill’s sponsor. “My bipartisan bill, the Black Vulture Relief Act, will give relief to the farmers and ranchers fed up with these scavengers killing their livestock and eating into their profits.”

“Our farmers and ranchers are facing many obstacles as they work to care for their livestock. By allowing them to take black vultures without a permit before they harm their livestock, we are improving the likelihood of their success,” said Rep. Soto the bill’s co-lead.

In 1916, the United States and Canada entered into a treaty aimed at protecting birds that migrate between the two countries, which led to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act being enacted in 1918 to implement this treaty in the United States. The law makes it illegal to take nearly 1,100 species of migratory birds—including black vultures—without a permit. The Secretary of Interior is allowed to permit the taking of black vultures; however, Rep. Rose has spoken to many farmers who describe the black vulture depredation permit application process as being too cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly. 

“Black vultures attack livestock – especially young and vulnerable animals – which is a significant challenge for America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Sam Kieffer, American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President, Public Policy. “Rep. Rose’s legislation helps protect both livestock and migratory birds, like black vultures, which is why the American Farm Bureau strongly supports the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023.”

“Thousands of cattle producers across the Southeast and Midwest lose livestock to black vulture depredation each year, and that’s on top of the pinch from severe inflation and extreme input costs. Just when many cow-calf producers are able to get ahead for the first time in years, these pressures are eating away at their profits. The added stress of livestock deaths and the fear of harsh federal penalties should not be another burden on the list,” said Director of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes. “We appreciate Congressman Rose’s leadership on this commonsense bill to give cattle producers the flexibility they need to protect their livestock.”

“Black Vulture attacks on livestock, particularly newborn calves, costs livestock producers thousands in lost revenues and continue to increase in frequency. These predators are overpopulated, and this bill is an important step in managing these losses,” said Charles Hord, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President.

“We appreciate Congressman Rose filing this legislation in the hopes of alleviating the burden farmers are facing with growing black vulture populations and the resulting depredation of livestock around Tennessee,” said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry. “It should be a fundamental right for farmers to protect their livestock when threatened by predatory actions of black vultures, and we believe this legislation is a step in the right direction.”

The bill is being supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Association, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, and the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI).

Read the full text of the bill here.

A release from the Sheriff’s office gave details of a current campaign to slow sales of controlled substances to minors.

The Cannon County Sheriff’s Office and the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office have received complaints from the Cannon County school system as well as parents pertaining to minors being in possession of and using vapes and tobacco products that were sold to them by local businesses.

Over the past couple of weeks Cannon County Sheriffs Office Investigators Paul Reed and Billy Joe Crouch, along with Tennessee ABC, have conducted compliance checks in our community at every store that sells alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products in Cannon County.

Unfortunately, there were some businesses that did sell vapes, beer, and liquor to minors. These establishments were cited for these sales and are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.

 The Cannon County Sheriff’s Office will continue to conduct random compliance checks of all businesses selling these regulated items in hopes of keeping them out of the hands of our children.

Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason Mumpower is very pleased to announce that Cannon County has received a clean audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. The annual audit report was released with no findings, which is remarkable given the county government’s financial troubles in the recent past. The Comptroller’s Office believes the county’s fiscal turnaround is largely credited to its decision to centralize the financial activities of the County Government, Highway Department, and School System under a single department.   The county began the centralization process in 2019 and its operations were fully centralized in October 2021.   Prior to this effort, Cannon County was closely monitored by the Comptroller’s Office for its spending and overall financial condition. In 2016, former Comptroller Justin P. Wilson described it as a “financial management crisis.”   Cannon County had four audit findings in 2016, five in 2017, and then one in each year from 2018 through 2021. This is the county’s first clean audit report.   “I am incredibly proud of the efforts made by Cannon County officials and the leadership of Finance Director Diane Hickman,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “Cannon County is a perfect example of the positive effect of centralization when paired with an excellent financial leader. Centralization is a best practice that improves accountability and the quality of services provided to citizens. This is a major success story.”   To view all Tennessee audit reports, click here.   If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: tncot.cc/fraud.

Commodity loans are currently available for producers of corn, wheat, and soybeans who have crop year 2022 commodities in storage. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements before receiving these USDA benefits. To be eligible, a producer must maintain continual beneficial interest in the crop from harvest through the earlier of the date the loan is repaid or CCC takes title to the commodity. Beneficial interest means retaining the ability to make decisions about the commodity; responsibility for loss or damage to the commodity; and title to the commodity. Once beneficial interest in a commodity is lost, the commodity is ineligible for loan – even if the producer regains beneficial interest.

These loans provide producers with immediate financing on their stored commodities held as loan collateral. Instead of selling the crop immediately after harvest, these loans allow the producer to store the crop for a maximum of 9 months to allow for market gains in the event of a depressed market at the time of harvest. Applicants should allow 3-4 workdays for processing and disbursing the loan proceeds.

Loans can be approved until March 31 for wheat and, until May 31 for corn and soybeans. The 2022 crop year commodity loans rates for DeKalb and Cannon Counties are as follows:

                                                                        Corn—$2.31 / bu.

                                                                        Soybeans—$6.35/ bu.

                                                                        Wheat—$3.62/ bu.

The CCC interest rate for marketing assistance loans changes each month. For March 2023,  the interest rate is 5.75%.

Violating provisions of a marketing assistance loan may trigger administrative actions, such as assessing liquidated damages, calling the loan and denial of future farm-stored loans.

For more information, call the DeKalb/Cannon County Farm Service Agency at 615-597-8225, extension 2.

A new substance abuse treatment locator website from the Tennessee Department of Health is available today at FindHelpNowTN.org. This site links individuals directly to care and help if they are struggling with a substance use disorder.

“There is an immediate, critical point, where those struggling with substance abuse and misuse are absolutely ready to receive help,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP. ‘’Unfortunately, this point is often at the height of crisis. The FindHelpNowTN.org website puts addiction and treatment resources within immediate reach, in real-time, when individuals and families don’t know where to turn.”

FindHelpNowTN.org guides individuals to location-based openings and services available at substance use treatment facilities. Site users can search facility listings using up to 60 different features such as the type of treatment needed, insurance programs, payment methods and availability of wrap-around services.

Treatment facilities on FindHelpNowTN.org regularly update their availability of residential, in-patient, and out-patient services. Since site users also can access a facility’s contact information, they can reach out immediately for treatment.

Facilities on the site are asked to update the availability of their residential, in-patient, and out-patient services regularly to ensure the most current information is available.

“Individuals and their loved ones facing substance abuse disorder have much to endure in finding a way out of addiction,“ said Director Amy Murawski of TDH’s Overdose Response Coordination Office. “Our hope is for FindHelpNowTN.org to be a source to find relief in an extremely exhausting and immensely stressful situation.”

Currently, 243 Tennessee facilities have listings on FindHelpNowTN.org and TDH is working with community partners, providers, and stakeholders to include more facilities on the site.

The launch of FindHelpNowTN.org is the result of a partnership between TDH, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Tennessee Tech University’s iCube program and TAADAS (TN Association of Alcohol, Drug and Other Addiction Services).

FindHelpNowTN.orgworks in cooperation with TDMHSAS’s Tennessee Redline at 1-800-889-9789, a 24/7/365 resource for substance treatment referrals via phone call or text message.

“Tennessee is blessed with a wealth of substance use treatment resources, and we continue to look for ways to expand options for people even if they have little or no means to pay for it,” said Linda McCorkle, TDMHSAS Director of Treatment and Recovery Services. “We know that treatment works and recovery is real, so we’re excited to have another resource in our state to connect people and families with the help they so desperately need.”

Throughout the month of March, the Tennessee Department of Education invites all Tennesseans to celebrate Tennessee Literacy Month, spotlighting the Reading 360 initiative and the focus Tennessee’s educators, families, elected officials, and community partners have on improving literacy rates for all learners in the state.

Celebrations began last week as classrooms and teachers across America and in Tennessee celebrated Dr. Seuss’s great legacy with Reading Across America Week, February 27-March 3. Using the hashtag #TNReadingForALL and #ReadLikeRiley, Tennesseans can engage on social media throughout the month to learn about at-home resources and engage in why they support literacy. 

Last month, the department received engagement from over 850 district and school leaders, teachers, community partners, and education preparation providers (EPPs) during the Reading 360 Virtual Summit, held February 9-10. During the Summit, participants shared their experiences and best practices on implementing high-quality instructional materials and foundational skills instruction and preparing teachers for literacy instruction. A combined 99.4% of the Summit participants rated the Summit as “above average” and “average;” 98.9% reported “my knowledge on the topic increased and the instructional materials provided were high quality,” and 98.4% shared “I have identified next steps toward my work.”

Additional resources for families can be accessed on Best for All Central at Family Resources and Literacy Resources for Families. To access additional resources on Reading 360, click here.

Throughout the month of March, the Tennessee Department of Education invites all Tennesseans to celebrate Tennessee Literacy Month, spotlighting the Reading 360 initiative and the focus Tennessee’s educators, families, elected officials, and community partners have on improving literacy rates for all learners in the state.

Governor Bill Lee proclaimed March 2023 as Tennessee Literacy Month, and throughout the month, the department is highlighting how reading is for all students. We will be sharing information about literacy programming and initiatives around the state to empower families and students to engage in reading activities at home. 

Celebrations began last week as classrooms and teachers across America and in Tennessee celebrated Dr. Seuss’s great legacy with Reading Across America Week, February 27-March 3. Using the hashtag #TNReadingForALL and #ReadLikeRiley, Tennesseans can engage on social media throughout the month to learn about at-home resources and engage in why they support literacy. 

“Through our Reading 360 initiative, Tennessee’s district and school leaders, educators, elected officials, families, and partners are committed to ensuring all our students are reading on grade level by third grade, and we are already seeing great strides from this work around our state,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn.“I invite all Tennesseans to join us in emphasizing the importance of early literacy and share your love for reading throughout the month of March.”

Last month, the department received engagement from over 850 district and school leaders, teachers, community partners, and education preparation providers (EPPs) during the Reading 360 Virtual Summit, held February 9-10. During the Summit, participants shared their experiences and best practices on implementing high-quality instructional materials and foundational skills instruction and preparing teachers for literacy instruction. A combined 99.4% of the Summit participants rated the Summit as “above average” and “average;” 98.9% reported “my knowledge on the topic increased and the instructional materials provided were high quality,” and 98.4% shared “I have identified next steps toward my work.”

During March, the department will continue to celebrate the 99 Reading 360 districts for their commitment to teacher training, leader support networks, and focused work on early literacy. 

Additionally, the department will host five family literacy events to support K-2 families at home and deliver Decodables and other literacy resources. In addition to the family events, Riley the Reading Raccoon will visit over 30 districts across Tennessee to observe how districts continue to accelerate student learning in literacy. 
 

Reading is the most essential academic skill for students because it is the foundation for learning. Students who struggle with reading need additional opportunities to practice these newly acquired skills. Resources and support will be shared for families with readers of all ages and abilities, birth through eighth grade. These resources will support families with ways to engage in S.I.M.P.L.E. Moments at home by playing, modeling, listening, and learning about sounds together. Families will also be provided with the strategies and support needed to use them through videos and models. 

Additional resources for families can be accessed on Best for All Central at Family Resources and Literacy Resources for Families. To access additional resources on Reading 360, click here.

Authorities are needing your assistance is the search for a missing Cannon County woman.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert for Laura Powers of Woodbury.  The 58 year woman was last seen February 24^th. She is 5 foot-4 inches tall, weighs 119 pounds with brown and gray hair and hazel eyes. 

When last seen, Powers was wearing a tee-shirt, stretch-waisted pants and house slippers.  She has a medical condition that may impair here ability to return safely without assistance.

If you see her please call 1-800-TBI-FIND, that’s 1-800-824-3463 or the Woodbury Police Department at 615-563-4322.

United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties exceeded its goal for the Annual Community Baby Shower Sort-a-Thon event presented by Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford on Friday, February 17^th at the Patterson Park Community Center.

UWRCC is happy to announce that 102 volunteers packed over 550 bags with over 17,500 new baby items donated by companies, organizations, and individuals in our local community. This year, bags were distributed to ten local agencies, including Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Cannon County Health Department, Holloway High School, Nurses for Newborns, Nurture the Next, Portico, Rutherford County Health Department, Rutherford County Safe Baby Court, Smyrna High School, and StoneCrest Medical Center.

We would like to thank our presenting sponsor Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford and all the supporting Sort-a-Thon sponsors including the City of Murfreesboro Patterson Park Community Center, the City of Murfreesboro Water Resources, Cornerstone Financial Federal Credit Union, Cumberland Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Evolution Insurance, Fred Farrer Properties, Garage Barre & Bike, Dr. James E. & Beverly R. Caldwell, Mathew & Julie Stump, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Regions Bank, Robin Seay, and Wilson Bank & Trust. Their generous support gives over 500 moms and newborns in our local community a healthy start.

Maternal Child Services Nursing Director Sandra Walmsley said, “As a provider of women’s and children’s services, we see firsthand the economic challenges that some new parents face. The Community Baby Shower Sort-a-Thon gifts of essential newborn items can make a huge difference for some families and relieve the stress of providing for their newborns.”

The Community Baby Shower Sort-a-Thon is a part of the UWRCC Bold Goal 2030 Initiative to increase early childhood development in our local community. Click here to learn more about our Bold Goal Initiatives https://www.yourlocaluw.org/boldgoals.

The January 2023 Jobless Number Remained Unchanged from December 2022

Tennessee started 2023 with continued low unemployment, according to the latest data released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The rate for January 2023 came in at 3.5%, the fourth consecutive month the state’s jobless number remained at that level.   In a year-to-year comparison, the number was also unchanged from the 3.5% rate the state recorded in January 2022.   Over the month, Tennessee’s workforce increased by 21,800 jobs. The professional and business services sector led the state in job growth, followed by the leisure and hospitality sector, and then the mining, logging, and construction sector.   During the last 12 months, Tennessee’s employers added 123,200 jobs to their payrolls. The leisure and hospitality sector did the most hiring during the last year. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector saw the next highest amount of growth, followed by the education and health services sector.   TDLWD has prepared a report that contains an in-depth analysis of Tennessee’s unemployment data for January 2023, which is available here.     Across the nation, unemployment in January dropped by 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.4%. One year ago, the rate for the United States came in at 4%.   While unemployment remains low across Tennessee, employers are still searching for great workers who can help their companies grow. Jobs4TN.gov currently has more than 350,000 open positions posted.   Job seekers can see what reemployment services the state provides at no cost, all on an easy-to-access website. TNWorkReady.com is a great place to search for employment and training opportunities or to find a nearby American Job Center or Adult Education program.   TDLWD also has the Tennessee Office of Reentry which focuses on justice-involved individuals who recently left incarceration. The Office creates and coordinates opportunities across the state to enable these individuals to receive a second chance at entering the state’s workforce.