News

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.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is celebrating Weights and Measures week March 1-7, 2023. This year’s theme is “Collaborating with Partners and Stakeholders for a Greater Measure of Equity.”

Weights and Measures officials report that shoppers are surprised to learn that in addition to checking scales during a grocery store inspection, the inspector checks Universal Product Code (UPC) price verification scanners. Inspectors randomly choose products from shelves and scan the bar codes. The price of the product is then verified at the register to ensure the price matches. Inspectors also check signage, advertisements, and price computations to make sure consumers are not misled.

TDA inspectors follow nationally-adopted best practices and adhere to the highest standards. TDA is responsible for ensuring the specifications, tolerances and other technical requirements are met for commercial weighing and measuring devices at 11,827 locations across Tennessee. These devices include fuel pumps, scales, bulk meters, and liquefied petroleum gas meters. Since July 1, 2022, Weights and Measures officials have conducted 9,663 inspections.

The Julius T. Johnson State Metrology Laboratory on the Ellington Agricultural Campus in Nashville maintains and houses the primary standards of mass, volume, and length for the state. The lab offers calibration services using the most current equipment and testing capabilities.

Tennessee is a member of the National Conference on Weights and Measures, a professional nonprofit association of state and local weights and measures officials, federal agencies, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. The association has developed national weights and measures standards since 1905.

Gas prices across the state are once again trending lower. Over last week, pump prices fell nine cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.01 which is 28 cents less expensive than one month ago and 42 cents less than one year ago.  

“The recent increases we’ve seen at the pump were likely a delayed response to an oil price hike that happened a couple of weeks ago,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The good news for Tennesseans is that we’re once again seeing modest declines in our gas prices. Over the past two weeks we’ve seen wholesale prices drop a total of 15 cents, which means that it’s likely we’ll continue to see prices move lower in the short term. This week, it’s very likely that we’ll see the state average drop below $3 per gallon.” 

Quick Facts

• 65% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00 
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.78 for regular unleaded 
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.38 for regular unleaded
• Tennessee is the 9th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

The national average for a gallon of gas fell five cents since last week to $3.36. The main reason is the price of oil, which fell into the mid $70s per barrel, nearly $5 cheaper than a week ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly from 8.27 million b/d to 8.91 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 1.8 million bbl to 240.1 million bbl last week. However, fluctuating oil prices have contributed to pushing pump prices lower. But if gas demand keeps rising amid tightening domestic stocks, drivers may see an end to future pump price drops.

Today’s national average of $3.36 is 14 cents less than a month ago and 24 cents less than a year ago.

National Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $2.41 to settle at $73.95. Crude prices have declined due to the strengthening of the dollar and market concerns about increasing domestic oil inventories. An increase in supply could mean that demand may not move as high as anticipated. EIA reported that total domestic commercial crude inventories increased substantially by 7.6 million bbl to 479 million bbl last week.

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

Tennessee Regional Prices 

• Most expensive metro markets – Memphis ($3.10), Morristown ($3.06), Knoxville ($3.05)
• Least expensive metro markets – Chattanooga ($2.91), Clarksville ($2.96), Kingsport ($2.97)

Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) has earned the Community Champion Award from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for its dedication to TVA EnergyRight programs to benefit its community.   “MTE is grateful for this recognition from TVA and for its EnergyRight programs that allow us to serve our community and members in so many ways,” said Robert White, MTE vice president of member services and community relations.   The Community Champion Award honors a local power company that has actively promoted TVA EnergyRight programs and enthusiastically communicated its value to the community through public advocacy and strategic alliances.   In FY22, MTE supported its community through the School Uplift and Home Uplift programs. MTE assisted Smyrna Elementary School during its 12-month participation in School Uplift, including monthly meetings with school staff and STEM students to review their electric bills and helping host a kickoff workshop for the entire student body. The co-op helped Cannon County Elementary save even more energy by securing an additional $80,000 through the United Way to purchase new classroom chillers.   MTE also continues to serve residents with a high energy burden through Home Uplift. The cooperative has increased its program contributions and received the first third-party contribution to Home Uplift from First Baptist Church Murfreesboro, located on East Castle Street.   “We are proud to partner with MTE on energy-saving programs like School Uplift and Home Uplift that directly benefit the community,” said Cindy Herron, vice president, TVA Energy Services & Programs. “When schools and residents save money on their energy bills, they can use it for more important things like educating students and taking care of their families.”   MTE was also recognized among 153 local power companies served by TVA as a Top Performer in several EnergyRight program categories in FY22. First place – Home Energy Evaluations with 386,501 kWh of energy savings from 733 participants Second place – Carbon Reduction through EnergyRight programs with 29,338 tons of carbon reduced Third place – New Homes with 6,188,835 kWh of efficient energy added to avoid 25,437 tons of carbon Fifth place – Home Uplift Program with 220,083 kWh of energy savings through 70 homes uplifted