News

Tennessee gas prices continue to slowly decline, falling five cents on average over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.17 which is 28 cents less expensive than one month ago and 28 cents more than one year ago.  

“While the national gas price average has reversed course and is now trending more expensive, gas prices here in Tennessee are still continuing to decline, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “There’s still downward pressure on pump prices in the market, however, Hurricane Ian has the potential to influence the market later in the week. The good news for Tennesseans, is that Tennessee’s gasoline is primarily provided by refineries in Texas and Louisiana, so it’s unlikely that the storm itself would cause local pump prices to spike.” 

Quick Facts

• 20% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00 
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.91 for regular unleaded 
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.54 for regular unleaded
• Tennessee is the 5th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

Gas prices rose a nickel over the past week, as the national average pump price hit $3.72. The main reason is higher regional prices on the West Coast and the Midwest due to refinery issues ranging from planned maintenance to a fire. But low domestic demand as fewer drivers fuel up and much lower oil prices have helped to blunt some of the impact. On Friday, the price of oil slipped below $80 a barrel for the first time since January, primarily due to fears of a recession-led global economic slowdown.

Meanwhile, according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand decreased from 8.49 million b/d to 8.32 million b/d last week. Moreover, according to the EIA, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 1.6 million bbl to 214.6 million bbl. Although gasoline demand has decreased, tight supply and fluctuating oil prices have increased the national average price. However, if gas demand remains low pump price increases will likely be minimal.

Today’s national average of $3.72 is 14 cents less than a month ago but 54 cents more than a year ago.

The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties (UWRCC) announces its inaugural three-day giving campaign, called GIVE UNITED, taking place on September 27, 28 and 29.

UWRCC aims to raise $200,000 during the Give United campaign to face the biggest challenges in Rutherford and Cannon counties around childhood development, financial stability, mental health, substance abuse, and healthy behaviors like nutrition and obesity. Donors can designate their gift to one of these focus areas, or to the general community fund for the greatest impact.

“Give United is an opportunity to bring members of our community together to support the most pressing challenges we face. Issues such as mental health, housing affordability, meeting basic needs, and early childhood success are all important to the Bold Goals 2030, a ten-year strategic vision developed by the community, for the community. We invite you to join us in making a gift that is meaningful to you that will influence our measurable impact on each of these issues,” shares United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ CEO, Meagan Flippin.

For every $1 invested in the operation of your local United Way, $14 of impact is put back into our community. A gift to United Way benefits the health, education, and financial stability of everyone in our community.

For more information on Give United or to donate, please visit yourlocaluw.org/giveunited.

With the 2022-23 school year in full swing, the Tennessee Department of Education concludes the “Know More, Learn More TN” back to school campaign with an encouragement to all families to support their student’s reading progress by learning about their Lexile level. Newly added this week in the TCAP Family Portal, Lexile levels for each student provide parents and families with the information they need to support their student’s reading skills and find reading materials to match and further develop the student’s reading skills. 

Tennessee parents and families with students who took a TCAP ELA assessment in spring 2022 will now see a Lexile Reader Measure in the TCAP Family Portal. Lexile Reader Measures give parents information about their student’s reading progress and help them select reading materials that are matched to their academic needs. A Lexile measure assesses a student’s reading ability and what level of text a student can read and understand on their own. 

“The TCAP Family Portal is a free resource to help parents understand how their student is progressing toward their academic goals, and the department has added new resources to make it easy for families to support learning,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Along with interactive TCAP assessment reports for students, the TCAP Family Portal now provides a student’s Lexile level—giving parents an important tool to assess their student’s reading ability and support learning inside and outside classroom.” 

Aligned to the Tennessee Academic Standards for English language arts, students should read within the range of their grade-band and should also experience supportive texts in the lower ends of the range to prepare them for the more challenging texts in the upper ends of the range. 

The Lexile framework and scale for reading compliment the state‘s TCAP English language arts assessment to accurately measure each student’s reading level. The Lexile measure is shown as a number with an “L” for Lexile measure and can range from 0L for beginning readers to above 1600L for college-level readers. Books and other texts have a Lexile measure associated with them, which describes how difficult the text is to comprehend. When used together, these measures can help parents and families find a book for their student that is at an appropriate level of difficulty and suggests how well the student will comprehend the text.  

“I appreciate the Tennessee Department of Education including Lexile levels for parents to view in the TCAP Family Portal,” said Mr. William Freddy Curtis, Director of Schools, Cannon County Schools. “Knowing the Lexile range can enable parents to encourage a life-long love of reading in their child by accessing books that are interesting to the student and within a range that the child can comprehend. The Lexile can be utilized by parents and guardians to observe progress in the reading ability of their child(ren).” 

“We are excited that families will now have more information to support their students in reading,” said Dr. Marcia Melton, Supervisor of Instruction, Cannon County Schools. “Having the Lexile measure for students, informs families on the reading level of their child and what support they may need.”

  With the 2022-23 school year in full swing, the Tennessee Department of Education concludes the “Know More, Learn More TN” back to school campaign with an encouragement to all families to support their student’s reading progress by learning about their Lexile level. Newly added this week in the TCAP Family Portal, Lexile levels for each student provide parents and families with the information they need to support their student’s reading skills and find reading materials to match and further develop the student’s reading skills. 

Tennessee parents and families with students who took a TCAP ELA assessment in spring 2022 will now see a Lexile Reader Measure in the TCAP Family Portal. Lexile Reader Measures give parents information about their student’s reading progress and help them select reading materials that are matched to their academic needs. A Lexile measure assesses a student’s reading ability and what level of text a student can read and understand on their own. 

Aligned to the Tennessee Academic Standards for English language arts, students should read within the range of their grade-band and should also experience supportive texts in the lower ends of the range to prepare them for the more challenging texts in the upper ends of the range.  

The Lexile framework and scale for reading compliment the state‘s TCAP English language arts assessment to accurately measure each student’s reading level. The Lexile measure is shown as a number with an “L” for Lexile measure and can range from 0L for beginning readers to above 1600L for college-level readers. Books and other texts have a Lexile measure associated with them, which describes how difficult the text is to comprehend. When used together, these measures can help parents and families find a book for their student that is at an appropriate level of difficulty and suggests how well the student will comprehend the text.  

In addition to this short video, this one-pager and this graphic, the department has added new resources to the series of customizable communications tools and graphics that can be used across a variety of platforms to promote the TCAP Family Portal – from bulletin boards to social media channels to school websites and parent emails – including: 

·  Lexile Reader Measure Explainer Graphics 

·  Customizable Back to School Night PowerPoint Presentation 

·  Helpful Tips for Districts to Engage with Parents and Families  

Visit the department’s TCAP webpage for more information on Tennessee’s assessment program.

For more information on the TCAP Family Portal, parents and families can watch this short video, reference this one-pager or view this graphic. 

A strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has sickened a poultry flock in West Tennessee. To protect the health of other domesticated birds, the State Veterinarian is leading the emergency response and ordering an immediate halt to poultry shows, exhibitions, and sales statewide.

HPAI is known to be deadly for domesticated fowl. The affected backyard flock in Obion County consists of chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, and pigeons. On Sept. 13, the flock owner notified the State Veterinarian’s office after a sudden unexplained increase in deaths. Testing at the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory in Nashville and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed the presence of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in samples from that flock.

“With HPAI, it’s critical we move quickly to stop the virus from spreading,” Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said. “We appreciate the flock owner for contacting us immediately when unexpected deaths occurred. We have protocols in place for instances like this and we are working closely with our state and federal partners to get this situation under control.”

For now, any events where poultry can comingle are prohibited. That includes poultry shows, exhibitions, livestock sales, flea markets, and swap meets.

“Issuing an order like this is never an easy decision, especially during fair season,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “From backyard flock owners to the large commercial companies—the poultry industry touches a lot of lives in Tennessee. This is an effort to protect all domesticated poultry in our state.”

The affected farm is under quarantine and the flock is being depopulated to stop potential spread of the illness. Animal health officials have established a 20 kilometer (12.4 mile) surveillance zone surrounding the site. Within the zone, other flocks will be tested and monitored for illness and poultry movement is restricted. That zone includes a portion of Kentucky. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to coordinate response.

“We are working diligently alongside our Tennessee counterparts to prevent this virus from spreading to other poultry premises,” Kentucky State Veterinarian Dr. Katie Flynn said. “Because the control area comes into Kentucky, we have initiated our avian influenza response and are in active communication with state, federal, and industry partners. We will begin surveillance of commercial and backyard flocks within that identified area immediately.”

Although HPAI does not pose a food safety risk, no infected poultry will be allowed to enter the food supply. Poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. The risk of human infection with avian influenza during poultry outbreaks is very low. In fact, no transmission to humans was reported during the outbreak that affected commercial poultry farms in Tennessee in 2017.

Owners of backyard and commercial poultry flocks are encouraged to:
• Closely observe domesticated birds and report a sudden increase in the number of sick birds or bird deaths to the Tennessee State Veterinarian’s office at 615- 837-5120. Or, in Tennessee or Kentucky, you can report to USDA at 1-866-536-7593.
• Prevent contact with wild birds.
• Practice good biosecurity with your poultry. More information can be found online at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov/.
• Enroll in the National Poultry Improvement Plan, the Secure Broiler Supply Plan, and the Secure Egg Supply Plan as appropriate for your operation.

Information about Tennessee’s response can be found on our Avian Influenza Resources webpage.

Information about Kentucky’s response can be found online at www.kyagr.com/HPAI.

State officials and partners have extensive experience in effectively containing the virus. Control of avian influenza includes coordination of resources and response, and protocols for quarantine, testing, disposal, cleaning, disinfection, and monitoring.

In Tennessee, more than 600 family farms contribute to the commercial poultry industry. The state is a global leader for primary breeders, and an estimated 45 percent of the chicken consumed worldwide traces back to Tennessee operations. Broiler chickens are among the state’s top agricultural commodities, generating $376.2 million in cash receipts in 2021.

Special Agents assigned to TBI’s Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Unit have charged a La Vergne man in connection to an ongoing Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation in Florida.

In July, TBI received information from the Walton County, Florida Sheriff’s Department, in relation to an online solicitation operation, dubbed “Operation Wolves Blanket,” involving Chasen White (DOB 2-7-91). Authorities determined White engaged in an inappropriate chat with who he believed to be a minor during the sheriff’s department undercover operation. TBI agents assisted in the subsequent investigation and gathered evidence contributing to a criminal charge in Florida.

On Tuesday, authorities arrested White and booked him into the Rutherford County Jail, where, at the time of this release, he was awaiting extradition to Florida to face a charge of Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services, in partnership with Governor Bill Lee and the Families First Community Advisory Board, recognized the 7 collaborative groups selected for $175 million in Implementation Grants to further the Department’s vision of fundamentally changing the way low-income families are served in Tennessee. Soon, each public-private collaborative group will kick off pilot projects aimed at addressing barriers faced by low-income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Familes-eligible Tennesseans. The Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative is a 3-year effort, with each of the 7 pilot projects funded through $25 million Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grants.

Each pilot project has a different strategy in how services will be carried out, and their activities will be measured using a universal assessment tool. The intention of the pilot initiative is to explore various service interventions that set low-income Tennesseans on a path of reduced dependency on government funded social service programs, while increasing their capacity toward upward mobility and self-sufficiency.

Two of the programs will assist Cannon Countains.

• Family & Children’s Service – Will reduce and mitigate systemic barriers that prevent families from leaving generational poverty by coordinating the work of existing organizations to create a comprehensive, connected social services and family-centered workforce development network. (Serving 28 middle Tennessee counties)
• Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency – Will target families who are currently unemployed and those who have never entered the workforce through a new continuum of care process that reduces duplication across human services programs and increases workforce participation, job readiness, placement, and advancement. The agency serves Cannon and 13 other counties in the region.

The implementation of the Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative is only one component of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Opportunity Act, legislation that passed in 2021.  The TANF Opportunity Act offers a pathway to self-sufficiency for the recipients, provides for an investment in community partnerships through both the spend down of the TANF reserve and plans for recurring dollars, while also strengthening protections against fraud, waste, and abuse. Since the Tennessee Opportunity Act went into effect, the Families First Community Advisory Board has been established, Families First (the state’s TANF program) recipients have received increases in their monthly cash assistance, and community grants totaling more than $100 million will be awarded to 44 organizations.

Details on the Tennessee Opportunity Act, the state’s plan for effectively utilizing TANF funds, and more information on Tennessee Opportunity Act components can be viewed on the Tennessee Department of Human Services website here. View previous announcements regarding the Tennessee Opportunity Act on the TDHS news page.

Click here to learn more about how the Tennessee Department of Human Services is working to Transform Tennessee Together.

The Tennessee Department of Health has received a $5M competitive federal grant to fund community and clinical programs that improve Tennessee’s maternal health outcomes, TDH announced today.

“The vast majority of maternal deaths in Tennessee are preventable,” said TDH Commissioner Dr. Morgan McDonald, MD FACP FAAP. “This grant award will make a significant impact in preventing deaths among women of childbearing age, and in eliminating disparities and inequities in maternal health care services, education, and training.”

The TDH Division of Family Health and Wellness received the Maternal Health Innovation grant from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services to fund several initiatives in the next five years:

• Expand membership in the state maternal health task force which will create a maternal health strategic plan for Tennessee;
• Strengthen capacities for data collection and analysis to implement maternal health clinical quality improvement projects;
• Create materials to educate patients about the early warning signs of pregnancy emergencies;
• Collaborate with local community agencies on projects to address maternal health needs;
• Share and support the lived experiences of women who survived pregnancy complications, and the experiences of relatives for women who didn’t, through public outreach efforts; and,
• Build a comprehensive maternal health website.

Analyzing maternal health data from 2017 to 2020, TDH’s Maternal Mortality Review Program found almost nine in 10 pregnancy-related deaths were preventable, and 24 percent had a good chance of being prevented.

“Congratulations to TDH on receiving the Maternal Health Innovation Grant,” said Brenda Barker, executive director of the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care. “This will allow Tennessee to continue the transformational work to improve maternal health, pregnancy, and birth, while addressing disparities in maternal and infant health. This grant will especially be important to support Tennessee hospitals and providers as they participate in maternal and infant improvement projects.”

TIPQC is a collaborative stakeholder organization that seeks to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants in Tennessee through provider- and community-based initiatives.

Visit TDH’s Maternal and Child Health webpage for more information on programs and services improving the health of Tennessee’s women and children.

More information is available about HHS’s grant award announcement and its State Maternal Health Innovation Program.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the application dates for this year’s Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) cost share program are Oct. 1-7, 2022. Producers fulfill requirements to defray the costs of strategic investments in their operations. The goal is to increase profitability and efficiency while promoting long-term investments in Tennessee’s agriculture.

“Agriculture plays a crucial role in Tennessee’s economy, and we’ve made strong investments to ensure the industry continues to thrive,” said Governor Bill Lee. “This program will benefit farmers across rural Tennessee, and I welcome every farm family to apply.”

TAEP has supported agricultural production projects through a cost share program for more than 17 years and has invested over $224 million in 74,619 producer projects. In their latest study, the University of Tennessee Agri-industry Modeling and Analysis Group estimates that each TAEP dollar generates $6.09 in local economies.

“This program promotes investment in long-term improvements on Tennessee producer operations,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “The success of TAEP can be attributed to Tennessee’s agricultural families who are committed to sustaining and expanding their businesses. TDA’s support from legislators, industry partners, and Governor Lee have kept the program going strong.”

Tennessee farmers who are applying for cost share assistance for the first time and have been farming fewer than ten years may be eligible for the Beginning Farmer option under Application A to improve their operation.

Producers may qualify for up to 50 percent cost share in a variety of programs. Application A covers livestock equipment, genetics, hay storage, herd health, livestock solutions, permanent working structures, dairy solutions, and row crop solutions. The hay storage program is available this year, alternating with hay equipment as an eligible program every other year.

Application B is for farmers with investments in agritourism, fruits and vegetables, honeybees, horticulture, organics, and value-added products. Application C is for commercial poultry growers.

Approval notifications will be mailed mid-December. Program purchases can be made starting Oct. 1, 2022 and must be completed by the program’s final reimbursement request deadline. Participants should make purchases and submit reimbursement requests in a timely manner to avoid processing delays.

Producers are encouraged to work with their local extension agent or a TDA representative to complete the application. For more information and program applications, visit www.TN.gov/taep or call1-800-342-8206.

STORY UPDATE:

Cannon County Sheriff’s Department reports that Devin Anthony Young is now in custody and lodged in the Cannon County Jail.

Local law enforcement personnel are asking the public to be on the lookout for a fugitive.

36 year old Devin Anthony Young has escaped custody while being placed under arrest. Devin is wanted for felony possession of meth, theft under a thousand-dollars, violation of probation, and resisting arrest.

Devin is a white male, 6’2”, 200lbs and was last seen shirtless, shoeless and handcuffed behind his back running down Bryson Street towards the dead end side in Auburntown.

If you or anyone you know sees him, use caution and call dispatch at (615) 563-9751.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the Labor Day holiday travel period.  Construction crews have stopped all lane closure activity until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6^th. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the busy Labor Day holiday.

“The Labor Day holiday is typically a busy travel time,” said TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We want to ensure that the thousands of travelers using Tennessee’s roadways during this period arrive at their destinations quickly and safely without being impeded by road construction delays.”

While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on-site in many construction zones, and drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits.  Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possibly increased insurance premiums.

Get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras from your desktop or mobile device at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any landline or cellular phone for travel information or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.  As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.