News

Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) leadership updated cooperative members about the status of the organization and answered questions during its livestreamed Annual Meeting Saturday, Aug. 24.  

Board Chairman Steve Seger, CEO Chris Jones and various MTE team members shared details about the cooperative’s community outreach and member engagement efforts, overall organizational vision, general updates about MTE’s progress and more.  

“MTE is committed to providing reliable electricity and world-class service to our members,” said Chairman Seger. “These have been our hallmarks since our founding 87 years ago and will continue to guide us in the future.” 

“The vision to provide world-class member service is simple, but it’s one that gives us organizational clarity in the decisions we make and in the way that we serve,” Jones said.  

Items of note from the meeting program include:  

• The co-op ranked in the top 6% nationally among all utilities surveyed in the J.D. Power 2023 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study, in addition to being ranked first in the country for customer care in the same survey.  
• Despite regional growth and inflationary pressures, MTE has held the average cost per kilowatt-hour at 29% below the U.S. average. The electric cooperative has achieved a 99.9% reliability rating. 
• MTE’s Electric Griddle, EnergyHub and Hotline Demo trailers allow members to engage with representatives from the cooperative out in the community to learn about electrical safety, energy efficiency or to enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich.  
• Improvements to the free myMTE app allow members to access helpful data and see a breakdown of their electric bills to learn more about what their electric costs are going toward.  
• The cooperative continues to invest in Smart Grid technology to reduce the impact of power disruptions.  
• MTE President/CEO Chris Jones discussed his role on the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council and provided insight about the future of nuclear power.  

United Communications President and CEO William Bradford shared updates about Project UNITE, an initiative to provide broadband internet access to rural and underserved areas. At the end of 2023, more than 21,000 homes and businesses in Middle Tennessee had been served through Project UNITE. In the second half of 2024, more than 7,000 MTE members in Williamson County will gain access to broadband service through United projects. The organizations also recently completed projects in Wilson and Rutherford counties.  

Following this update, a Q&A session was conducted and questions from members were answered live. Members inquired about MTE’s vegetation management program and how the organization prioritizes the environment while maintaining rights-of-way, smart thermostats and thermostat settings, resources for senior citizens and more.  

Per the cooperative’s bylaws, the election results for four seats on the Board of Directors were announced during the Annual Meeting. Three members were re-elected: Maureen Thornton – Williamson County (District 1B); David Lee – Rutherford County (District 2B); and Jim Mills (District 4C) – Wilson County. In the contested election for Rutherford County’s District 2E, Lynn Edwards was elected by members.  

MTE board members serve staggered three-year terms, and the Nominating Committee is responsible for nominating next year’s Board of Directors candidates. The 2024-2025 Nominating Committee election resulted in the appointment of Jessica Davey, Karen Paris and Juanita Patton from District 1 – Williamson County; Thomas “Teb” Batey, Tracey Binkley, Jamey Faulkner and Danny Sapp from District 2 – Rutherford County; Jeanne Melton from District 3 – Cannon County; and Greg Butler, Zachary Butler, and Sonya Smith-Wright from District 4 – Wilson County. 

In an organizational meeting following the Annual Meeting, the board re-elected Steve Seger of Williamson County as chairman, Jim Mills of Wilson County as vice chairman and Vanessa Hickman of Wilson County as secretary-treasurer.  
 

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) mobile household hazardous waste collection service will be in Warren County on Saturday, August 24.

Tennesseans are encouraged to bring household hazardous waste – including cleaning fluids, pesticides, swimming pool chemicals and more – to a designated drop-off location. A person does not need to live in the county to participate.

The drop-off location is Warren County Sanitation Department, 1186 Belmont Dr., McMinnville, TN, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. the contact is Tracie Myers at (931) 473-6874.

“We want it to be convenient for Tennesseans to recycle household hazardous waste, and this collection service is a great way to show that commitment,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “We are pleased we can offer this service, and we encourage Tennesseans to participate.” 

Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 373,000 Tennessee households have properly disposed of more than 24 million pounds of material. There have been over 1,500 one-day collection events.

Household hazardous waste materials are considered flammable, toxic, reactive and/or corrosive and should not be placed with regular garbage. Typical items to dispose of include cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals, paint thinner and used needles in sturdy containers. Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics, and any empty containers that should be disposed in normal trash. There is no cost or appointment necessary for household hazardous waste collection.

While household waste may be disposed for free, there is a cost for disposal of Very Small Quantity Generator Waste (i.e. wastes from non-household sources such as businesses, schools, farms, churches, etc.). An appointment is also necessary. Call (615) 643-3170 to request a price quote and schedule an appointment.

Many counties and municipalities meet the needs of local residents by providing collection of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze and electronic scrap – or BOPAE, as it is sometimes called. When handled correctly, these BOPAE materials are minimally hazardous, but inappropriate for collection at household hazardous waste events. Tennesseans are encouraged to contact their local city or county solid waste department to find BOPAE collection sites in their area.

When transporting materials to the site, place containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper or plastic to prevent spills and cross-contamination in the trunk of a car or back of a truck. Be sure to keep materials away from children and pets.

For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, please call 800-287-9013 or visit this link.

For a third consecutive month, the statewide unemployment rate remained at an all-time low of 3%, according to new data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The state first marked the record low for seasonally adjusted unemployment in May, and it has held steady ever since.

Over the past year, Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate dropped 0.2 of a percentage point, from 3.2% to 3%.

Employers across the state added 2,000 new nonfarm jobs to their payrolls between June and July. The construction sector accounted for most of the new jobs. The health care and social assistance sector was responsible for the next highest amount of job growth, followed by the wholesale trade sector.

Comparing year-to-year job growth, Tennessee has 22,600 additional nonfarm jobs. The largest increase in employment was in the education and health services sector, followed by the mining, logging, and construction sector, and then the trade, transportation, and utilities sector.

Detailed information about the July 2024 unemployment data is available here.

Unlike Tennessee and its record-low unemployment, the nationwide rate increased during July. Seasonally adjusted unemployment grew by 0.2 of a percentage point to 4.3% across the United States.

In a year-to-year comparison, the national unemployment rate jumped 0.8 of a percentage point, from 3.5% to 4.3%.

While the state has record-low unemployment numbers, many Tennesseans are still searching for work or better employment. TDLWD offers many job seeker resources at no cost, and job seekers can start their search online at TNWorkReady.com.

Tennesseans without a high school diploma can improve their employment situation by taking Adult Education classes at no cost. TDLWD’s New Pathways to a Diploma program allows adult learners to use different testing methods to earn their equivalency diploma, so they can tailor test-taking to the best of their ability.

Football season begins for Cannon County in one week.  The Lions will be on the road in Putnam County as they visit Monterey. New head coach Andrew Bartsch has been preparing the team and is enthusiastic about the season.

The team has been participating in several scrimmages and their last pre-season event is tonight at the Gordonsville Football Jamboree with Smith County vs. Watertown, 5:30 p.m., Dekalb Co vs Clay County, 6:30 p.m., DCA vs Goodpasture, 7:30 p.m. and Gordonsville vs Cannon County, 8:30 p.m.

The Lions regular season is as follows;

Fri	Aug. 23	7:00 PM	at Monterey
Fri	Aug. 30	7:00 PM	Providence Christian
Fri	Sep. 6	7:00 PM	Cheatham County
Fri	Sep. 13	7:00 PM	Forrest R
Fri	Sep. 20	7:00 PM	at Fayetteville R
Fri	Sep. 27	7:00 PM	at Community
Fri	Oct. 4	7:00 PM	Cornersville
Fri	Oct. 11	7:00 PM	Notre Dame
Fri	Oct. 18	7:00 PM	Cascade R
Fri	Oct. 25	7:00 PM	at Marion County R

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of Cannon’s undefeated team of 1974.  That team will be honored at the home game with Providence Christian on August 30^th.

WBRY’s coverage of Cannon County sports this year will begin with the Monterey game next Friday.  We are pleased to announce that Matt Daniel will return to the broadcast booth with play-by-play of the action.

Cannon County resident Murphy Fair, the Guru of Tennessee Prep Football will kick-off our Friday night broadcasts with Murphy’s Matchups followed by Coaches Corner.

In recent years, Cannon County Schools has benefited from two grants that fund the Extended School Program (ESP). The ESP program provides participants with an afterschool snack, physical activity, tutoring, homework help, STEM enrichment activities, and health-related activities. Recently, Cannon County Schools received word that one of the two grants had not been awarded to them this year. The loss of grant funding greatly reduces funds available to operate the 2024-2025 school year ESP program. To utilize the remaining grant as judiciously as possible, Cannon County Schools will have to make changes to ensure the continuation of the program.

The 2024-2025 ESP program will begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. In addition, all ESP program sites will run a four-day-a-week after-school program. There will be no ESP provided on Fridays or during the mornings. The reduced funding also requires a decrease in staffing, which may result in a decrease in student enrollment. Finally, the ESP program will only serve elementary students at Cannon County South, Cannon County North, and Cannon County Elementary Schools.

Applications may be obtained at a serving school’s front office or the Cannon County Schools Central Office. Applications should be returned to the child’s teacher or the school secretary no later than Wednesday, August 21, 2024. All applications will be reviewed by the ESP Director and considered for acceptance based on the criteria set forth by the grant requirements. If your child’s application is accepted, you will be contacted by your school’s Site Coordinator before the ESP start date. The first day of ESP will be Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

The remaining grant that funds the program requires the ESP program to provide certain services to students daily. To fulfill these obligations, children participating in the program are expected to remain each afternoon until 5:00 p.m. Parent pick-up is from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. each afternoon.

Cannon County Schools deeply regret that these changes will create difficulties for families. Cannon Schools thanks families in advance for their understanding and continued support.

For questions or concerns, contact the ESP Program Director, Connie Foster, at connie.foster@ccstn.net or by phone at 629-201-4811 x 2

Providing a safe and supportive learning environment where students are able to focus on skills needed for a successful future is the top priority of the Cannon County School district. Bullying and internet safety prevention are part of Cannon County Schools’ School-Wide Positive Behavior Support program. The school system has developed the following strategy statement regarding bullying behaviors:

We recognize bullying as the deliberate use of any word, look, sign, or act that hurts a person’s body, feelings, or things. We also recognize bullying as a type of violence that occurs when someone uses his or her power unfairly and repeatedly to hurt someone else.

To make our school violence-free and safe from bullying, we pledge

• not to tolerate bullying

• to intervene in incidents of bullying and strictly enforce rules against bullying

• to empower students to report bullying behavior and to treat one another with respect

As a part of the Bullying Prevention Program, students as well as all staff, participate in lessons designed to help him/her

• define bullying and understand what behaviors are considered bullying

• understand the effect of bullying behaviors and develop empathy for targeted students

• learn ways to respond to bullying behavior

• learn when and how to report bullying

• learn the consequences the school has established for engaging in bullying behavior

The overall goal of the Bullying Prevention program is to empower students to report bullying behaviors and to give school staff the tools to recognize, intervene, and issue consequences for bullying behaviors they witness or hear about from students. Students who bully receive appropriate consequences to help them realize that bullying behavior isn’t appropriate and won’t be tolerated at school.

Additionally, all students participate in lessons concerning internet safety. Parents may also continue this conversation by using the “NetSmartz® Workshop” which may be found on the Cannon County School District’s homepage or “Stop Bullying.gov”. “NetSmartz Workshop” is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates provides information to parents on how to keep students cyber-safe. You may access this information at www.ccstn.net under “Departments Coordinated School Health- Bullying Prevention”.

Cannon County Schools also encourage the public to use the SafeTN platform which is a secure open-door platform where anyone can send in tips and access useful resources to help keep your school and community safe. SafeTN is a secure, open door communications platform. The anonymous reporting system allows students, faculty, parents, and the public to easily and confidentially report their concerns to help prevent violence in our schools and our communities. Tips can be submitted 24/7 through the mobile app from any compatible device. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will review, assess, and then send all submissions to law enforcement, mental health crisis response teams, and/or school administrators for intervention based on the information received. With SafeTN, you can anonymously report suspicious or criminal behavior and other safety concerns. You can do this by reporting observed threats, behaviors, or actions.

Here is an example of some of the common behaviors and incidents to report:

• Assault

• Sexual misconduct

• Bragging about an upcoming planned attack

• Violence or planned violence

• Physical injury or harm to self or others

• Threats of violence SafeTN is free. Students, staff, parents, and the community need only to download the free mobile app on a compatible device.

You can find more information by visiting our district webpage. For questions regarding the Bullying Prevention program and how it is implemented, parents may contact their child’s school principal or school counselor.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) requires certain immunizations for students entering pre-k, kindergarten, and 7th grades. There is only one official TDOH certificate of immunization that must be completed by medical providers for delivery to schools. Parents must present this official form prior to or at their child’s registration for pre-k, kindergarten, 7th grade, or as a new student. This form is available from private healthcare providers or local health departments.

Parents are urged to begin this process early to avoid a delay in their child’s school year. Medical providers experience high volumes of last minute immunization requests prior to the start of school. Therefore, beginning this process early can assure parents these requirements are met in advance of fall registration.

Remember, according to Tennessee State Law (TCA 49-6-5001), no child shall be permitted to attend any public school, kindergarten, or pre-k until proof of immunization is given to the admissions officer of the school. Parents of pre-k, kindergarten, and 7th grade students must submit an Official Certificate of Immunization on, or prior to, school enrollment. PreK, Kindergarten, and 7th grade students without proper immunization documentation will not be allowed to attend Cannon County Schools until the Official Certificate of Immunization is submitted. Medical, religious or homeless exemptions may apply in some cases.

Parents can call the Cannon County Health Department, located at 106 Alexander Drive, Woodbury, to schedule immunizations through their clinic. You can reach the Health Department at 615-563-4243. Parents may also schedule immunizations through their private healthcare providers.

Below is a summary of the TDOH rule 1200-14-1-29 which details the immunization requirements for children enrolling in Tennessee Schools.

Children in Pre-School or Pre-K

• Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

• Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)

• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) – age younger than 5 years only

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – age younger than 5 years only

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 1 dose of each, normally given together as MMR

• Varicella – 1 dose or credible history of disease

• Hepatitis A – 1 dose, required by 18 months of age or older

Children enrolling in Kindergarten

• Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

• Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV) – final dose on or after the 4th birthday

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, usually given together as MMR

• Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease

• Hepatitis A – total of 2 doses, spaced at least 6 – 18 months apart

All children entering 7th grade (including currently enrolled students)

• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (Tdap) – evidence of one Tdap dose given before 7th grade entry (administered at or after age 10) is required regardless of Td history Children who are new enrollees in a TN school in grades other than Kindergarten

• Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

• Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV – final dose on or after the 4th birthday

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR

• Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease

• New students entering grades other than 7th grade are not required to have Tdap Children with medical or religious exemption to requirements

• Medical – Physicians (MD or DO) or Public Health Nurses are authorized to indicate specific vaccines medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the certificate. Other vaccines remain required. The medical reason for the exemption does not need to be provided.

• Religious – This exemption requires a signed statement by the parent/guardian that vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets or practices. If the child needs documentation of a health examination for the school, it must be noted by the healthcare provider on the immunization certificate. In that case, the provider should check the box in section 1a. that the parent has sought a religious exemption to explain why immunization information is absent or incomplete.

For more information, contact the Cannon County Health Department, your child’s physician, your school nurse, or Stephanie Alexander, Director of Coordinated School Health at 629-218-4801 or stephanie.alexander@ccstn.net.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will host four public meetings, one virtual and three in person, concerning the proposed I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project. The proposed project is the first of its kind in Tennessee and would construct new, optional lanes on approximately 26 miles of I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro in Davidson and Rutherford counties. The additional priced managed lanes would address travel time reliability and regional connectivity by providing passenger vehicles and transit riders with an effective transportation alternative. Choice Lanes would give drivers the option to bypass congestion by providing consistent speeds and travel times. Project limits are still under consideration and development. TDOT anticipates that adding capacity to this heavily traveled roadway would improve operations in this major growth area. The purpose of these public meetings is to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed project and allow TDOT to gather input for the proposed project. TDOT will conduct a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 5 p.m. where a presentation will be shared and discussed on the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes website. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions for TDOT to respond to. Open house public meetings will also take place in person at the following times and locations. Wednesday Aug. 21, 2024 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Smyrna Event Center 100 Sam Ridley Parkway East, Smyrna, TN 37167 Wednesday, August 28, 2024 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Fairgrounds Nashville 401 Wingrove Street, Nashville, TN 37203 Thursday, August 29, 2024 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Southeast Community Center 5260 Hickory Hollow Parkway, Antioch, TN, 37013

The public is invited to visit these public meetings anytime during the scheduled hours to see the proposed project concept, ask questions and submit electronic, written or voice-recorded comments. The public meetings will be open house style, where the public will be able to review project information and talk to the project team. While there will be no formal presentation at the in-person meetings, a recording of the virtual meeting presentation will be available on our website. A dedicated email and voicemail hotline are also available at TDOT.24ChoiceLanes@tn.gov and (615) 451-8039. Information shared at these public meetings will be published online for review and public comment on the project website beginning Wednesday, August 14, 2024. The public may feedback and comments until Thursday, September 19, 2024. Persons with a disability, who require aids or services to participate in the meetings, may contact TDOT ADA Coordinator Shanna Chevalier no less than 10 days prior to the date of the meeting at Shanna.Chevalier@tn.gov or by phone at (615) 741-0465

Home School registration forms for the 2024-2025 school year are available at the Cannon County
School Director’s office and online at the Cannon County Schools’ page (http://www.ccstn.net/ under
the homeschool department tab) or the Tennessee State Department of Education Home School page
(https://www.tn.gov/education/families/school-options/home-schooling-in-tn.html). Upon completion,
forms should be returned to the Director of School’s office at 301 West Main Street, Woodbury, TN
37190.

Any parent/legal guardian wishing to conduct an Independent Home School for grades K-12 must
provide:

1) Proof of legal custody or guardianship by a copy of child’s birth certificate or court order.
2) Copy of a high school diploma GED or GED, or HiSET, and 3) the Intent to Home School form.
4) The Notice Concerning Students with Disabilities form.

If you have any questions regarding home schools, please call 629-201-4801 between the hours of
8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The State of Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday is this weekend taking place Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28. 

During this holiday, Tennesseans can save nearly 10 percent on qualifying clothing, school supplies, and computers. Tennesseans can purchase clothing and school supplies tax-free if they are priced at $100 or less and buy computers tax-free if they are priced at $1500 or less. Qualifying items may be purchased online and in stores.

“Tennessee’s commitment to strong fiscal stewardship has allowed our state to cut taxes and put dollars back in the pockets of hardworking Tennesseans,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I encourage every Tennessee family to take advantage of back-to-school savings and thank the General Assembly for partnering to provide direct financial relief for taxpayers.”

“With the start of the school year around the corner, we encourage Tennessee families to take advantage of these savings,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “This is the only sales tax holiday this year.”

For more information about the sales tax holiday, including a list of qualifying items, visit www.tntaxholiday.com. You can also call 615-253-0600 or email  revenue.support@tn.gov  with questions.

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws.

The Department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2023 fiscal year, it collected nearly $22 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $4.7 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the Department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.