The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is announcing a series of animated, educational videos about pollination and pollinator species featuring narrator Polli the Tennessee Bee. These episodes educate children about the process of pollination, its importance, and the pollinator species native to Tennessee.

The initial three episodes in the video series, are titled “Meet the Pollinators,” “Where Pollinators Live,” and “Changing Environment.” Additional episodes are slated to be released later. The episodes, and student and teacher resources, are available for free online at www.tnpollinators.org/meetpolli. All Polli the Tennessee Bee materials are rooted in Tennessee Academic Standards for Science, target a middle school-aged audience and were peer-reviewed by a cohort of Davidson County STEM teachers.

The video series is the latest project for TDOT’s Pollinator Habitat Program, which was established in 2017 and resulted in adjusted mowing and herbicide application practices for TDOT-owned Rights-of-Ways. The program also fostered partnerships to plant pollinator meadows at nearly 15 sites across the state.

“Pollinators are vital to life, growing food, and the economy of Tennessee,” TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley said. “This effort is an excellent way to educate the public about their critical importance and the threats they face.” Pollinators are a diverse group of species, including birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and beetles. They are critically important to life and pollinate one-third of the food we eat. Pollinator numbers are in steady decline because of loss of habitat, pests and pathogens, exposure to pesticides, and other stressors. In response, language promoting pollinator-friendly practices along publicly owned Rights-of-Way was included in the nation’s previous transportation funding law, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Pub. L. 114-94) in December 2015. Programs and language from the FAST Act were carried forward under the nation’s current law, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), passed in November 2021 (Pub. L. 117-58).

National Pollinator Week is June 20-24 and is a nationwide effort at building awareness and attention to the steps everyone can take to protect and restore pollinator populations. More information about National Pollinator Week can be found at https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator-week.

Extreme heat continues to impact the state and the Tennessee Department of Health is urging Tennesseans to follow important safety tips to avoid heat-related illnesses. 

‘’Summer is usually a great time to be outdoors, and it is important to be careful when you’re out in the sun, especially in recent high temperatures occurring across the state,’’ said Tennessee Health Commissioner Morgan McDonald, MD, FACP, FAAP.‘’ To avoid heat-related illness it’s important to drink plenty of water and avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.’’

Heat-related Illness includes heat exhaustion which causes heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness and nausea or vomiting. The most serious heat-related illness is heat stroke. Heat stroke symptoms include red, dry skin, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea and confusion. Steps to avoid heat-related illness include :
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding alcohol and carbonated drinks
• Taking plenty of breaks
• Moving to a cool place
• Wearing light, loose fitting clothing
• Using sunscreen
• Seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms

Look Before You Lock
Child safety is another concern with hot weather. Do not leave a child in a hot car where they can quickly become overheated risking serious injury or death. As a reminder:
• Always double check the backseat every time when leaving your vehicle.
• Consider placing a stuffed animal or toy up front as a reminder, or place your purse or
other item you would pick up in the backseat with your child.

Sporting Activities/Summer Camps
Athletic and other camps are an exciting part of summer, and it is important to take steps to keep campers and staff safe.
• Drink plenty of water
• Use sunscreen
• Wear light, loose fitting clothing
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully to avoid being in the sun during the hottest part of the day.
• Camp staff should look for signs of heat-related illness and make sure participants are taking appropriate precautions

For more more heat safety tips go to https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html.  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 Environment and Conservation (TDEC) today announced a precautionary fish consumption advisory due to mercury on Center Hill Reservoir in Dekalb and Putnam counties.

In 2021, TDEC and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) collected fish tissue data on Center Hill Reservoir where fish were analyzed for mercury. Based on the fish tissue results, a precautionary fish consumption advisory is being issued for black bass species (largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass) in the reservoir.

TDEC advises that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children avoid eating the fish species included in the advisory and that all others limit consumption to one meal per month. Other recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, swimming, wading, and catch and release fishing carry no risk

“We provide these advisories so the community can make informed decisions about whether or not to consume the fish they catch,” said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Greg Young. “Unlike ‘do not consume’ advisories that warn the general population to avoid eating fish from a particular body of water altogether, precautionary fish consumption advisories are specifically directed to sensitive populations such as children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and those who may eat fish frequently from the same body of water.”

These studies documented that in black bass species mercury levels were above the trigger of 0.3 mg/kg (parts per million). 

TDEC considers the source of mercury in Center Hill Reservoir to be atmospheric deposition.  According to the EPA, atmospheric deposition due to the global burning of coal is the most frequent reason for elevated levels of mercury in fish.

TDEC will post warning signs at primary public access points and will work with the TWRA and United States Army Corps of Engineers to communicate this information to the public.

About Fish Consumption Advisories

The Tennessee Water Quality Control Act identifies the commissioner of the Department of Environment and Conservation as having the authority and responsibility to issue advisories for either water contact hazards like pathogens or excessive health risks due to the accumulation of contaminants in fish or shellfish. Tennessee’s General Water Quality Criteria provide additional guidance regarding the conditions under which advisories may be warranted.

There are two types of fish consumption advisories issued by TDEC based on the levels of contaminants present in fish tissue. “Do not consume” fishing advisories are issued when levels of contaminants in fish tissue would represent a threat to the general population. Precautionary advisories are issued when contaminant levels are lower but would still pose a risk to sensitive subpopulations such as children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and those who eat fish frequently from the same body of water.

Where new advisories have been issued, TDEC will immediately begin the process of putting up signs at primary public access points. TDEC works in partnership with the TWRA to communicate information about fishing advisories.

For a complete listing of Tennessee’s current fishing advisories plus additional information about the advisory issuance process, visit: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/water/watershed-planning/wr_wq_fish-advisories.pdf.

An EPA website has additional information about mercury at: http://www.epa.gov/fish-tech/epa-fda-advisory-mercury-fish-and-shellfish. 

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT CDT

MONDAY NIGHT

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has issued a Code Orange Health Advisory for the Nashville area, including Woodbury and Cannon County in effect from midnight tonight to midnight CDT Monday night.

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Ozone has been issued. Ground level Ozone concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. The general public is not likely to be affected. Active children and adults, and people with a respiratory disease such as Asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

For additional information…visit the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation site at http://www.tennessee.gov/environment.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting applications from agricultural, food, and forestry businesses to receive cost-share funding through its Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) program.

AEF grants are awarded to agricultural businesses in Tennessee that demonstrate a potential for impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity, or agricultural innovation. The program prioritizes businesses located in or adjacent to economically at-risk or distressed counties.

“The strategic investments made from the AEF program have shown to create a $17.55 economic impact from every dollar we put in,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Ag and forestry businesses that are starting out or investing in their growth are ideal applicants for the program. We want to help strengthen those businesses to support cumulative economic improvements in the communities they serve.”

The application for the AEF program can be found online at agriculture.tn.gov/AEF/AEF_Application/Create, and the deadline to apply is July 15, 2022. Businesses must include proof of financing and a business plan with their application for it to be considered.

Since 2017, the Agricultural Enterprise Fund has awarded nearly $7 million in funding, leading to more than $98 million in private investments from agriculture and forest-product business development. You will find more information about the Tennessee Agricultural Enterprise Fund at www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/aef.html or by emailing Will Freeman at william.h.freeman@tn.gov.  

Voters will have the opportunity to meet the candidates on the August 4^th ballot in Cannon County this Saturday. A “Meet and Greet” event is planned on the courthouse lawn beginning at 10am.  Candidates will have a chance to introduce themselves to the voters and voters will have an opportunity for some one-to-one time for questions.

Members of the Gassaway Fire Department will set up a concession stand and attendees are invited to bring their favorite lawn chair.

This is a free event for the public.

Matt Tepley with the Election Commission office has announced the August 4th ballot is ready for your inspection.  You can download pdf file or click the link to review it on your device.

https://www.cannoncountytn.gov/…/cannon-county…/

Remember, Voters will have three ballots to choose from:

1) Republican Federal + State Primary along with Local General

2) Democratic Federal + State Primary along with Local General

3) Local General only

Your choice!

Early Voting at the Election Office starts July 15th – July 30th. The last day to register to vote in the August 4^th election is July 5^th.

 

The Tennessee Department of Education has released the 2021-22 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) state-level results, which show how the state’s and districts’ shared commitment to mitigating learning loss and investing in student achievement is helping our students to recover and accelerate learning. These results include both spring 2022 and fall 2021 end-of-course exams in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, science and social studies.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tennessee maintained its commitment to an annual statewide assessment to provide reliable data on how students are performing, and this past school year reflects Tennessee schools moving forward with a statewide laser-focus on helping students catch-up from a pandemic and accelerate their learning. Overall, the statewide 2021-22 TCAP student participation rate was 98% with 59 districts having participation higher than 99%.

Results from the 2021-22 TCAP assessments show that elementary students significantly improved their ELA scores and are performing at a level similar to pre-pandemic years. Additionally, improved performance in math was evident for Tennessee students of all ages. Every student group showed an increase in proficiency as demonstrated on the 2022 TCAP assessments. 

“These results mark encouraging strides for our students and also show the positive impact of early interventions to combat learning loss,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I commend Tennessee teachers for their work to help students make academic gains, close achievement gaps and prepare students for life beyond the classroom.”

“Today, I am incredibly proud to be able to share Tennessee’s 2021-22 TCAP assessment results, which demonstrate the hard work of Tennessee’s districts, schools, educators, and families, the leadership of Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly—and the incredible impacts all of these efforts have had on improving academic outcomes for students.” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Tennessee’s gains to meet or exceed pre-pandemic proficiency levels were hard-earned, and now is the time to ensure we continue the policies, practices and programs that are supporting academic achievement.”

Together, district and school leaders, educators, and families have made tremendous efforts to support children, close gaps, and accelerate learning. The 2021-22 TCAP results are the first look at the results of this monumental effort. An overview PowerPoint of the 2021-22 TCAP results is available here and key takeaways include:

English Language Arts (ELA): 

• Notably, ELA proficiency has returned to pre-pandemic levels in almost all grades, with more students scoring Met and Exceeded than 2019, including:
  • A 6-point gain in elementary school proficiency, which reflects the highest proficiency the state has seen in the last five years.
  • A 6-point gain in middle school proficiency from 2021 and matches our pre-pandemic achievement.
  • A 7-point gain in high school proficiency, which reflects the highest proficiency the state has seen in the last five years.
• 36.4% of Tennessee students are meeting grade level expectations in ELA.
• Proficiency gains were reflected in all tested grades in ELA.  
• ELA-Related State Supports & Initiatives: Reading 360; Tennessee Literacy Success Act; TN ALL Corps; universal implementation of high-quality instructional materials; summer camps; Best for All Central resources.

Math: 

• 3 in 10 Tennessee students are meeting grade level expectations in math. 
• Based on national projections, math recovery is expected to recover faster than ELA. 
• Growth in math matched or exceeded gains seen in previous years and is outpacing math projections for pandemic recovery. Between 35-55% of learning loss gaps are closed in math.
• Math-Related State Supports & Initiatives: TN ALL Corps; summer camps; Best for All Central resources; free online tutoring resources available for all students.  
• School Level Spotlight: 
  • Elementary: A 4-point gain in proficiency, which reflects a 33% gap closure from the pandemic.  
  • Middle: A 6-point gain in proficiency from 2021, which reflects a more than 50% gap closure from the pandemic.
  • High School: A 4-point gain in proficiency, which reflects a 50% gap closure from the pandemic.

Science:

• Overall, proficiency rates held steady for science, with an increase of 2 percentage points.  
• All grade levels experienced an increase in students scoring Exceeded Expectations.
• Science-Related State Supports & Initiatives: Ongoing partnership with TSIN to expand STEM designated schools from 15 in 2018 to 88 in 2022; extended programming on PBS and Best for All Central resources; expanded STREAM programming in Tennessee summer camps.

Social Studies:

• Overall social studies proficiency has continued to increase since 2017. 
• Fewer students scored Below and Approaching, while more students scored Met and Exceeded Expectations. 
• Social Studies-Related State Supports & Initiatives: Expanded resources on Best for All Central; strengthened the Governor’s Civic Seal program; strong statewide implementation of knowledge-building materials in English Language Arts (ELA).

In January 2021, Tennessee Gov. Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly convened a special legislative session on education, which addressed urgent issues facing Tennessee students and schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the special legislative session passed legislation on accountability, learning loss, literacy, and teacher pay. The Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act established summer learning loss bridge camps for elementary students to help them recover learning loss and accelerate their achievement. Additionally, the Tennessee Literacy Success Act was passed and laid a policy foundation for literacy in state to focus on improving literacy opportunities and ensure every student builds strong reading skills grounded in phonics.

In alignment with the Best for All strategic plan, the department recognized the impending impact the global pandemic would have on K-12 education in Tennessee and proactively and strategically committed investments to prioritize meeting the needs of all Tennessee students through the state’s ARP ESSER plan, which lays out the state’s spending strategy for its portion of federal COVID-19 relief and stimulus funding to benefit K-12 education in Tennessee.

TCAP results reflect summative assessments for English language arts, math, science, and social studies for grades 3-8, high school end-of-course (EOC) exams in English I and II, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Integrated Math I, II, and III; Biology, and U.S. History. 

To learn more about the state’s assessment program, visit the department’s State Assessment webpage. 

The Tennessee state average for gas prices set new record highs this weekend after increasing nearly 14 cents over the course of last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.64 which is 47 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.76 more than one year ago.  

“For the second week in a row, Tennesseans saw record-breaking prices at the pump, ” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Price fluctuation is likely again this week as the price of crude oil still remains high and increases in demand are expected. One bit of good news for Tennesseans, though, is that Tennessee moved up one spot this week to the 8th least expensive market in the nation.”

Quick Facts

• 90% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.75 
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $4.47 for regular unleaded 
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.87 for regular unleaded
• Tennessee is the 8th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

The cost of a barrel of oil is over $120, nearly double last August’s price, as increased oil demand outpaces the tight global supply. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline demand remains robust as the summer driving season ramps up. As a result, the national average for a gallon of gas surged and is 15 cents more than a week ago, 58 cents more than a month ago, and $1.94 more than a year ago. Today’s national average is $5.01—an all-time high never seen since AAA began collecting pricing data in 2000.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 800,000 bbl to 218.2 million bbl last week. Meanwhile, gasoline demand grew from 8.98 million b/d to 9.2 million b/d as drivers continue to fuel up for the summer driving season, typically a time when gas demand increases. This dynamic between decreased supply and increased demand is contributing to rising prices at the pump. Coupled with increasing crude oil prices, this means that the price of gas will likely remain elevated for the near future.

But on the bright side, consumers will once again enjoy a tasty AAA gas price–related treat courtesy of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Running every Wednesday through Labor Day, Krispy Kreme will lower the price of a dozen Original Glazed donuts to the national average that AAA reports each Monday. A dozen glazed doughnuts typically cost around $12. This Wednesday’s dozen should cost $5.01, not including sales tax, and is available only in shop, drive-thru, or online pickup.

Tennessee Regional Prices 

• Most expensive metro markets – Clarksville ($4.69), Jackson ($4.68), Nashville ($4.68)
• Least expensive metro markets – Chattanooga ($4.58), Johnson City ($4.59), Knoxville ($4.60)

I, Nathan Sanders, am announcing my candidacy for District 1 County Commissioner.  I am a lifelong resident of Cannon County having been born in the Burt Community.  My parents are Larry and Arlene Sanders.  I am the proud father of three (3) children, Cody Warren, Belle Sanders, and Lily Sanders.  I’m a member of Plainview Baptist Church where I serve as Asst. Children’s Director.  My entire life has been one of servitude.  I served on the inaugural Board of Directors for United Way of Rutherford and Cannon County.  Other servant opportunities include, The Arts Center of Cannon County, American Heart Association, CCHS Alumni Association, and Woodbury Lions Club since 2004.  Most recently I served on the Cannon County Board of Education from 2012-2020.

My professional career has also been a position of serving.  My career in Finance began in 1995 at the Bank of Commerce (now Regions Bank.)  I am now employed by Bond Mortgage where I am privileged to assist others with the largest financial decision in life, their Mortgage to purchase a Home.

This experience personally and professionally over the years makes me the right person, with the right knowledge, at the right time.  Cannon County is at a pivotal time and a crossroads.  It is now that I would like to use my knowledge and experience to serve the citizens as a County Commissioner.  I have always made decisions by being informed and educated as possible.  I can commit to doing the same if elected to represent you, the great citizens in this role.  It is my intent to meet as many people as possible but if by chance I don’t make it to your door, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your vote on August 4^th.  I would greatly appreciate all your support.

Tennesseans facing food insecurity will have improved access to nutritious foods thanks to a grant awarded to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service has awarded a $1 million grant to TDA to improve reach and resiliency of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in the state. TEFAP is a federal program that supplements the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food at no cost.

“We are committed to participating in work that supplies healthy food to all Tennesseans,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “A grant this size will make an enormous impact for Tennessee’s rural areas, benefitting populations who are underserved and the farmers who contribute to the safest, most nutritious food system in the world.”

TDA’s Commodity Distribution Administrator Terry Minton has worked for the past 25 years to make sure Tennesseans of all ages have food through USDA nutrition assistance programs. “We’ll be able to meet even more critical nutrition needs with this grant,” Minton said. “The funding will enable regional Tennessee food banks to tailor strategies to meet the needs of the areas they serve. They’ve been great partners with us for decades and their role is essential in our common goal of getting high-quality food to those who need it.”

With the benefit of this grant, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and the Mid-South Food Bank will expand mobile pantries. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee will purchase equipment and support renovations at local distribution sites. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee will increase TEFAP distributions and establish new distribution sites in underserved areas. Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee will conduct a needs assessment to better understand current reach and upgrade coolers and freezers at local distribution sites.

TDA’s mission is to serve all the citizens of Tennessee by providing options for responsible use of our agricultural and forest resources, developing economic opportunities, safeguarding food and fiber, and ensuring equity in the marketplace.