News

 Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed the second full week of April (April 10-16) as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week across Tennessee.

During this week, the Governor and the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board (TECB) honor the men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to Tennessee citizens.

“Tennessee’s emergency telecommunicators are crucial to the life-saving service provided by law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies across our state,” said Governor Bill Lee. “I want to thank the tireless work of our dispatchers who provide public service to Tennessee communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

The TECB plays a crucial role in assisting the state’s 100 emergency communications districts in the areas of management, operations, and accountability. 

“Our Board recognizes the high-quality communications services provided by police and fire dispatchers, 911 operators, and emergency medical technicians during times of crisis in Tennessee,” said TECB Executive Director Curtis Sutton. “This week, we shine a light on the vitally important work of Tennessee’s public safety telecommunicators and their commitment to protecting the lives and property of Tennesseans.”

To help raise awareness of the vital role that telecommunicators play, the TECB is sharing a new video highlighting the work of telecommunicators in their own words.

The TECB is responsible for modernizing the state’s 911 infrastructure to provide more efficient 911 services to the citizens of Tennessee. The TECB is committed to providing 911 training initiatives that ensure telecommunicators have the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to improve emergency response outcomes.  In 2021, the TECB provided 1,784 hours of in-person training and over 16,000 hours of online training to 1,767 911 professionals.

Conservative DeKalb County businessman and farmer Michael Hale officially filed his petition and will be a candidate in the Republican Primary for the Tennessee House of Representatives in House District 40. House District 40 consists of all of Cannon, DeKalb, Jackson, and Smith Counties, and a portion of Wilson County. The seat is currently represented by 14-year incumbent, and Smith County resident, Terri Lynn Weaver.

“As I have spoken to voters over the past few weeks, it has been clear to me that they want a fresh voice representing them in Nashville,” Hale said. “They want an America First, Christian, Conservative Republican, who will work hard to get things done for our communities. They are tired of career politicians. They want someone who is 100% Pro-Life and will work to cut taxes for hard working Tennesseans. They want someone who will fight for our schools, children, teachers, and parents. They want someone who has business experience to bring new jobs and improve our local economy. They want someone who will fight for better roads and infrastructure in our communities. They want someone who will carry their conservative Tennessee Values with them to Nashville. They want someone who will support our law enforcement and emergency personnel, and honor veterans and their families.”

“I started working at age 11, bagging groceries and working on farms in the area,” continued Hale. “I worked my way through school and built a rewarding career in service of others. I have built a business from the ground up and know what its like to meet a payroll and have difficult conversations with families. I have battled life threatening illnesses that confined me to a wheelchair. As the parent of a daughter in college and a son in high school, I know the challenges in our schools, and of raising a family. As a proud gun owner, I know that our rights are under attack. During this campaign, I look forward to sharing my experiences and ideas for how we can make Tennessee an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and retire.”

“The individuals in communities around this district have been incredibly good to me over the years,” concluded Hale, “and my family and I are excited about this opportunity to serve and earn your vote. I want to invite you and your family to our Campaign Kickoff Events over the next 2 weeks. Our Cannon County Kickoff is this Saturday, April 9, from 11AM-1PM at Sophia’s Off the Square in Woodbury. The DeKalb County Kickoff is also Saturday, April 9, from 5PM-7PM at the DeKalb County Complex. The Jackson County Kickoff is Saturday, April 16, from 11AM-1PM at Center Grove Community Center. The Smith County Kickoff is also Saturday, April 16, from 5PM-7PM at the Smith County Ag Center. The Wilson County Kickoff will be announced at a later date. My family and I ask for your prayers over the coming months as we campaign and meet voters throughout the district.” 

Michael and Tara Hale are lifelong residents of the 40^th District and have been married for nearly 26 years. They are the proud parents of three children and three grandchildren. They have owned and operated DeKalb Funeral Chapel for over 20 years and also raise Simmental cattle at their family farm. They are active members of New Life UPC in Smithville. For more information, or to contact Michael Hale, call 615-464-0518, visit VoteMichaelHale.com, or go to Michael Hale for State Representative on Facebook.

“Saturday was a beautiful morning for the 4th annual Cannon Runs for Children 5K,” announced Cannon County Coordinator Amanda Hammond.  “The Cannon County Child Advocacy Center wants to thank all of our runners and sponsors that came out despite the chilly morning.” 

Retired District Attorney General William C. Whitesell presented a Hometown Heroes Award to Retired Assistant District Attorney David L. Puckett for his exceptional service to the Cannon County community.  Puckett aggressively prosecuted child abuse and child sexual abuse offenders.   

The Honorable Judge Susan Melton presented a Hometown Heroes Award to Catherine Player for her outstanding dedication to Cannon County children and Youth.  Player is retired from Cannon County Youth Services.  Player was instrumental in helping establish the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center. 

Platinum sponsors included the Arts Center of Cannon County, Experience Community Church Cannon County and S2L Recovery.  Silver and Bronze sponsors were Brad Davenport and Ed Motlow; Katina George, Circuit Court Clerk; DTC Communications; First Bank; Homeland Community Bank; Bob Parks Auction Company; Preston Brother’s Construction; Tri Star Title Company; and Woodbury Drug Center.  Friends of the CAC included James and Ramona Adkins, Donald and Betty Conn, Douglas and Jane Jennings, Charles and Tammy Jones, Gary and Tammy Nichols, and Joel and Catherine Player. 

Cannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition volunteers provided granola bars, bananas, and bottled water for the runners and event volunteers.  David Puckett led a prayer for the runner’s safety and Cannon County High School Cross Country Coach Brian Elrod announced the instructions and the run route. 

Event winners include: 

• Overall winners were: Antonio Jones (first place), Nick Foster (second place), Boone Elrod (third place) 
• Female 12 and Under: Fiona Smith (first place), Lola Ferrell (second place), Pepper Jennings (third place) 
• Males 12 and Under: Kullon Patrick (first place), Carson Byrom (second place), Hunter Tuck (third place) 
• Female 13 to 17: Marlee McNutt (first place), Kiley Jo Byrom (second place), Amelia Mason (third place) 
• Males 13 to 17: Jason Barrett (first place), Kevin England (second place), Matthew Phillips (third place) 
• Females 18 to 64: Madellyne Lokey (first place), Melissa Laduc (second place), Shirley Barrett (third place) 
• Males 18 to 64: Wesley Alexander (first place), Cory Steffes (second place), Jeff Tanner (third place) 
• Senior Citizen (65+) James Adkins (first place) 

Child Advocacy Center Development Coordinator Katie Enzor thanked the 2022 Cannon Runs for Children 5K committee members who made this a successful event:  The Honorable Judge Susan Melton, Brian Elrod, Christine O’Day, Keith Ready, and Kamille Smith.

The event was held at the Arts Center of Cannon County.  Keith Ready, News and Sports Content Creator with the Cannon Courier, was the master of ceremonies. 

The 2023 Cannon Runs for Children 5K Planning Committee is looking for committee members.  If you would like to serve on it contact Amanda Hammond or Katie Enzor at (615) 563-9915 or ahammond@cannoncac.org or kenzor@cacrutherford.org. 

Dot Foods, Inc. officials announced Tuesday, the company will expand its Tennessee operations by establishing a new distribution facility at the Manchester Industrial Park, a Select Tennessee Certified Site.

Dot Foods will invest $50.5 million and create 171 new jobs as the company constructs a 177,000-square-foot plant in Coffee County, which will be Dot Foods’ second distribution center in Tennessee.

The Manchester site will function similarly to Dot Foods’ operations in Dyersburg, Tennessee, and will include dry, refrigerated and frozen warehouse space. In addition, the facility will have the capacity to expand its square footage in order to meet Dot Foods’ growing customer demand among the southeastern U.S.

Dot Foods anticipates breaking ground on its new distribution center late this summer, with operations expected to begin in late 2023.

Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, Dot Foods is North America’s largest food industry redistributor, serving all 50 states and more than 55 countries with a product offering of more than 125,000 items. Today, the family-owned and -operated business employs more than 6,300 across North America.

In the last five years, Department of Economic and Community Development has supported more than 60 economic development projects in the Southern Middle Tennessee region, resulting in roughly 8,000 job commitments and $5.2 billion in capital investment.

For the first time in three weeks, the Tennessee gas price average fell below $4.00 per gallon. Gas prices, on average, fell five cents over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.97 which is 30 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.28 more than one year ago.  

“Gas prices across Tennessee are drifting lower thanks to declining crude oil prices. About 75% of gas stations across the state have prices below $4.00 per gallon,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The oil market is seeing stronger downward pressure from the planned release of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to ease global supply concerns.”

Quick Facts

• 75% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.00 
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.73 for regular unleaded 
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.22 for regular unleaded

National Gas Prices

President Biden’s decision to release one million barrels of oil per day for six months (180 million barrels) from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) helped send the global oil price tumbling to near $100 bbl. The release is intended to stem rising energy prices. The national average for a gallon of gas has fallen to $4.18

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.18, which is six cents less than a week ago, 35 cents more than a month ago, and $1.31 more than a year ago.

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

Tennessee Regional Prices 

• Most expensive metro markets – Knoxville ($4.05), Morristown ($4.02), Nashville ($3.99)
• Least expensive metro markets – Kingsport ($3.89), Johnson City ($3.92), Clarksville ($3.92)

(Price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline) 

Ways to Save on Gasoline

• Combine errands to limit driving time.
• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community. 
• Consider paying cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
• Remove excess weight in your vehicle. 
• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy. 
• Enroll in savings programs. AAA Members who enroll in Shell’s Fuel Rewards program can save 5 cents per gallon when they fill up at Shell. Click here for more information.

Unemployment rates dropped in counties across Tennessee in February, according to new data released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). Each of the state’s 95 counties saw lower unemployment during the second month of 2022.

Ninety-one counties recorded a rate of less than 5% for February, while four counties had unemployment higher than 5%, but less than 10%, during the month.

Moore County had Tennessee’s lowest unemployment rate in February. At 1.8%, its rate dropped 0.4 of a percentage point from the January rate of 2.2%. Williamson County had the state’s second-lowest rate for the month at 2%, down 0.2 of a percentage point. Cannon County is number 5 in the state with the lowest unemployment rate at 2.5.

Cocke County had the highest jobless rate for the month at 6.3%. While the county’s rate was the highest, its February number dropped 0.8 of a percentage point from January’s rate of 7.1%. Lake County had the next highest rate at 5.8%, which was a 0.6 of a percentage point decrease from January’s rate of 6.4%.

When calculating county unemployment rates, seasonal impacts are not factored into the rates, while the statewide unemployment data is adjusted for those occurrences.

Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February was 3.4%, a 0.1 of a percentage point drop from January’s rate of 3.5%. The new figure came in 1.6 percentage points lower than the 2021 rate of 5%.

The United States unemployment rate also dropped slightly in February. The nationwide seasonally adjusted rate inched down by 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.8%. One year ago, the national jobless rate was 6.2%.

Analysis of the February county unemployment numbers for each county, including labor force estimates for areas across the state, can be found here.

TDLWD has many resources available to help individuals navigate the thousands of open jobs in and around Tennessee, as well as locate opportunities to improve skill sets or learn new, in-demand skills. Job seekers can find those resources in-person at an American Job Center, or online at www.TNWorkReady.com.

Today, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released a comprehensive study detailing law enforcement-related deaths that occurred in the state in calendar year 2021.

The report, released in accordance with the requirements in Tennessee Code Annotated §38-10-102, uses established definitions and methodology and provides information qualifying incidents submitted by the state’s law enforcement agencies. Data has been divided into three categories: Deadly Use-of-Force Incidents, Arrest-Related Non-Forcible Deaths, and Deaths in Custody.

Among the report’s findings:

• In 2021, a total of 31 deadly use-of-force incidents occurred in the state, with incidents in the months of June, August, and October accounting for 48.4% of reported deaths.
• Eleven of the reported deadly use-of-force incidents occurred in a residence. Nine were reported to have occurred in a highway, road, alley, sidewalk, or street.
• White subjects accounted for 67.7% of those killed in deadly use-of-force incidents. Black/African-American subjects accounted for 32.3%.

The full report is available for review on TBI’s website, at tbi.pub/reports.

A single vehicle accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, March 30^th at 12:30 PM which resulted in damage to the Woodbury Grammar School Playground fencing.  No students, staff members, or faculty members were involved or injured.

Cannon County Director of Schools, William Freddy Curtis stated, “I received a text early this afternoon from Woodbury Grammar School Principal Emily Hancock describing a vehicle accident on the campus.  A white Ford F-150 pickup truck had lost control at the corner of South College Street and West Colonial Street in Woodbury.  The vehicle ran through the fencing of the playground and over the basketball court, coming to rest at the edge of the walking track.  The Driver nor passengers were injured.  At the time of the incident a 4^th Grade Class was on the playground, and fortunately no students, staff members, and faculty members were involved or injured.”

According to the release from Cannon County Schools, Woodbury Police were notified and Chief Lowell Womack and Officer Jimmie Hayes responded to the scene.  Teachers and students then left the playground.  We are extremely blessed that there were no students or staff personnel hurt during this incident, and are so appreciative of the quick action of our teachers on duty with their classes.

Cannon County Schools would like to thank the Woodbury Police Department’s quick response to the scene and to Middle Tennessee Electric Cooperative personnel to evaluate a nearby electric pole.  Overall, this accident could have proved to have had a very different outcome, no person was hurt, and the fencing can be repaired.    

“Spring is in the air and the Child Advocacy Center has the perfect event to get you outside!” announced Cannon County Coordinator Amanda Hammond.  “Get some fresh air while you run or walk with us at the Cannon Runs for Children 5K.”

The 5K is being hosted to celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The run will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at The Art Center of Cannon County located at 1424 John Bragg Highway right here in Woodbury.  Registration begins at 6:45 a.m., followed by speakers at 7:30 a.m.  The 5K will start at 8 a.m. and participants are welcome to run or walk.

Registration is $25 for adults, $15 senior citizens (65+), $15 for students (ages 13-18) and $5 for students (12 and under).  Students (aged 18 and under) may apply for a scholarship to attend the run for FREE.  Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the event at cannoncountycac.org.

Development Coordinator Katie Enzor wants to thank the Cannon Runs for Children 5K Platinum Sponsors – Experience Community Church Cannon County and S2L Recovery, and our Silver and Bronze Sponsors – James L. Adkins, Donna Braswell, Brad Davenport and Ed Motlow, Katina George Circuit Court Clerk, DTC Communications, First Bank, Homeland Community Bank, Douglas and Jane Jennings, Gary and Tammy Nichols, Katherine Pace, Parks Auction Company, Sue H. Patrick CPA Tax Services, Preston Brother’s Construction, and Woodbury Drug Center.

The Cannon County Child Advocacy Center works as a team with Warren County Department of Children’s Services, Woodbury Police Department, Cannon County Sheriff’s Department, and the District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute child abuse cases and help children and families heal from the trauma.  When you support the Child Advocacy Center, you help fund crisis intervention and prevention services for child abuse victims.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will be conducting lane closures for work on the I-24 SMART Corridor.

Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, I-24 will be narrowed to two lanes in both directions at mile marker 65.5 just west of the Sam Ridley Pkwy Exit. The closure will last until noon Saturday at which point one lane will be reopened, leaving a single lane closure in both directions until 5 a.m. Monday.

Stansell Electric Company will be working on a median foundation which will support the overhead lane control gantries that will begin going up in April.

Crews have been placing these foundations along the corridor in both directions at night for the past few months. However, due to the large size of the median at this location, work will extend into the day.

Placement of the gantries over the road will begin April 3. Work will be done in the overnight hours to limit impacts to traffic. The current plan is to work two weeks on then one week off, weather permitting.

The I-24 SMART Corridor project will integrate freeway and arterial roadway elements, along with physical, technological, and operational improvements, to provide drivers accurate, real-time information and to actively manage traffic for a more reliable commute.

Phase 1 of the project was completed in December 2021. Phase 2 is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023. More information on the project can be found here, on the TDOT website including design plans and construction timeline.

Motorists can alert TDOT to potholes using this form: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/maintenance/maintenance-request.html. From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 for travel information.

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.