News

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.

Wednesday, U.S. Rep. John Rose voted “No” on House Democrats’ partisan gun control bill. 

U.S. Representative John Rose released the following statement:

“House Democrats decided to infringe on the 2^nd amendment rights of law-abiding citizens instead of addressing mental health and school security issues, the root causes of gun violence and school shootings. I am proud to vote ‘No’ to defend the constitutional rights of law-abiding Tennesseans.”

H.R. 7910 would raise the age limit to purchase certain semiautomatic centerfire rifles and shotguns to 21 years old, outlaw self-manufactured firearms and bump stocks, establish regulations on how individuals must store guns in their private homes and create penalties for violating those regulations, establish new federal offenses for gun trafficking and straw purchasers that could see innocent Americans unknowingly become criminals, and enact duplicative laws already on the books that do nothing to stop criminals from trafficking illegally purchased guns.

The Cannon County Department of Health is encouraging parents and caregivers to go to the Tennessee WIC website, https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/wic.html  for important information on the infant formula shortage that is impacting many people in our county, the state and across the country.

“We know the infant formula shortage is a scary time for parents and caregivers, but our staff are here to help and there are several helpful resources available to help,” said Michael Railling (County Health Department Director).

A substitution list of nutritionally equivalent formulas can be found at https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/program-areas/wic/TN-WIC-Temporary-Formula-Substitutions.pdf.      The formula substitution list is pertinent to all consumers, regardless of if they are a WIC participant or not. 

Tips for parents and caregivers:

• Do not dilute formula because this can lead to chemical imbalances that can be dangerous for an infant.
• The FDA and American Association of Pediatrics strongly discourage using homemade formula. It could cause additional health concerns such as chemical imbalances, gastrointestinal distress, or allergic reactions.
• Parents should consult with their pediatrician about introducing cow’s milk if their baby is close to one year of age.  It may be a good option for a limited time depending on your baby’s age and other conditions.
• Parents can begin to introduce solid foods beginning at 4 months of age for healthy infants for additional nutritional support. Parents can consult with their provider or American Academy of Pediatrics resources for additional information https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx 
• Parents should only use FDA-regulated infant or toddler formulas and please consult your pediatrician or local WIC office if you have questions or concerns about formula.

A mother’s breastmilk is the best nutritional support for her baby if she is able to breastfeed.  Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed if possible. Families, workplaces, community spaces, and religious groups can encourage this by providing appropriate space and time to breastfeed.

For more information contact the Cannon County Health Department at (615)563-4243.

An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into an allegation of sexual assault has resulted in the arrest of a Cannon County woman, charged with filing a false report.

At the request of 16^th Judicial District Attorney General Jennings Jones, on May 22^nd, agents began investigating an allegation of assault by an officer. Tammy Murphy had contacted law enforcement after her arrest to report that she had been sexually assaulted by the officer. During the course of the investigation, agents developed information that indicated the statements Murphy provided, and the allegation, were false.

On Thursday, Tammy Lynn Murphy was arrested and charged with one count of Filing a False Report. She was booked into the Cannon County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

Road Construction will not delay motorists as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Friday, May 27 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.

“Suspending construction-related lane closures during the Memorial Day weekend will lessen congestion and delays on Tennessee’s major highways,” said Interim Commissioner Joe Galbato. “We want to do our part to help everyone have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend and keep traffic flowing as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”

Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions while traveling through long-term construction projects. In addition, drivers should know reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

Despite historically high gas prices, nearly 87% of Tennessee Memorial Day travelers plan to drive. AAA predicts 698,000 Tennesseans are forecast to take a holiday road trip. That’s 4.1% more than last year’s holiday weekend.

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 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.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and UDSA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) are teaming up to remind hemp producers of important deadlines.

“We want to see this evolving agricultural sector progress in Tennessee,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “We both play a part in the successful implementation of the state’s hemp program by working together to support growers and providing resources for them.”

To produce hemp in Tennessee, you must first be licensed by TDA which administers the state’s hemp program. Next, all licensed hemp producers are required to set up a Farm Record with FSA and report their hemp crop acreage yearly by the crop reporting deadline of July 31. FSA is the USDA agency that issues lot numbers used to track hemp.

“We are equally invested in the success of Tennessee hemp producers,” USDA Tennessee FSA State Executive Director John Litz said. “The crop acreage reporting requirement helps producers maintain good records and that helps them secure opportunities for USDA cost share funds, loans, and other program aid. FSA also has a Beginning Farmer Coordinator who assists with those who are new to agricultural operations in Tennessee.”

“TDA and FSA act as a team to make sure hemp producers have what they need,” TDA’s Hemp Coordinator Denise Woods said. “It’s imperative that current producers complete their applications now to ensure no lapse in licensure. Producers can easily complete their application online and we also have a Hemp Grower Application Checklist at the bottom of the application to help them make sure they have all requirements submitted.”

Hemp producers with a current license in Tennessee are required to reapply with TDA by June 30, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. CDT. New producer applications are accepted year-round and expire June 30 annually. All applicants must submit an application, license fees, and required documentation. If the application and payment are not received by the deadline, the producer’s license will expire June 30, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. CDT.

The deadline for crop acreage reporting to FSA is July 31 annually.

Information about the hemp program in Tennessee can be found online at www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/hemp-industry.html. The hemp grower application can be found at  stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/tda_hemp_propagator_broker_application.  Growers without online access should call 615-837-5137 for a paper application well in advance of the June 30 deadline.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s mission is to serve the citizens of Tennessee by promoting responsible uses of our agricultural and forest resources, developing economic opportunities, and ensuring safe and dependable food and fiber. Visit www.tn.gov/agriculture to learn more.

FSA provides disaster assistance, safety net, farm loan, and conservation programs and is the go-to agency for many USDA records. If you’re new to working with USDA, your FSA team member will help you register your farm with a farm number. FSA staff can assist growers in filing their crop acreage report over the phone, by email, and through virtual meetings. To locate a local FSA office, visit www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

The Cannon County School District announced today that Woodbury Grammar School won a $100,00 Learning Environment grant through Tennessee Valley Authority’s School Uplift program.  

Tight budgets and aging buildings leave many schools facing a difficult decision between funding learning programs and making needed facility upgrades. TVA’s $7.3 million School Uplift program is helping 160 public schools in seven states solve that problem.

School Uplift is a 12-month, behavior-based energy management training program developed with the State of Tennessee’s Energy Efficient Schools Initiative. It’s designed to help public school districts make smart energy choices that improve the classroom learning environment and save money through decreased energy use. 

“School Uplift is another great example of TVA and Middle Tennessee Electric’s work to enrich our community,” said Emily Hancock, Woodbury Grammar School Principal. “We are so excited to have earned this grant, which we will invest in needed upgrades that will improve our facility and make Woodbury Grammar more efficient, healthy and comfortable. That means our teachers can focus more on teaching and our students can thrive.”

TVA sponsored a school celebration on Monday, May 23, at Woodbury Grammar School in honor of the award and treated students to shaved ice from Kona Ice. William Curtis, Director of Cannon County Schools, was in attendance along with members of the Board of Education.

MTE’s President Chris Jones, who also attended the morning’s festivities, said, “We are very proud that Woodbury Grammar has been awarded this grant. It’s important to ensure that our children have an optimal learning environment that’s also energy efficient, and this grant will allow the school to take a huge step forward in the right direction.”

Sixty schools have completed the School Uplift pilot over the past two years, competing to earn grants for building upgrades and other learning environment improvements. On average, participating schools have saved more than 10% on their annual energy bills from behavior changes alone. 

“Every dollar invested in our schools helps districts allocate resources to where it matters most – educating our children – and we’re excited to bring School Uplift to the communities we serve,” said Cindy Herron, vice president of TVA EnergyRight. “Helping schools save money on their energy costs and improve learning environments is an important investment in the Valley’s future. I look forward to seeing how this program makes an impact for years to come.”

TVA EnergyRight and MTE will continue to recruit public K-12 schools for the 2023-2024 program later this year. Visit https://energyright.com/business-industry/school-uplift/ to express interest in participating in this exciting program.

Cannon County Schools is pleased to announce Mr. Jared Nave as Business-Personal Finance Teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Cannon County High School beginning with the 2022-2023 School Year. 

Mr. Jared Nave has taught most recently at Siegel High School – 9^th-12^th Grades Business Education in 2021-2022 and served as an assistant basketball coach for two years; previously at Lavergne High School – 9^th-12^th Grades Construction in 2020-2021; and Cannon County High School – 9^th-12^th Grades Construction in 2019-2020.

Coach Nave will meet with CCHS Boys Basketball Players in the near future and will be conducting Boys Basketball Tryouts on Friday, May 27^th, 2022 – 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM for Freshman – Seniors.  He will be meeting with Boys Basketball Parents and Boosters at a later date and will be taking the Lions to Summer Basketball Camps. 

Upon being named CCHS Boys Basketball Head Coach Mr. Jared Nave commented, “First I would like to thank God for all my blessings in life. I am blessed to have a beautiful wife and loving family and friends that always support me. It is a privilege to be named Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Cannon County High School. I am honored to come back and coach where sports started for me. I am looking forward to the upcoming season and everything that will come in the future.”

Cannon County High School Principal Courtney Nichols commented, “I am extremely excited to welcome Coach Nave back to the faculty at Cannon County High School as both business teacher and head coach of the Lions basketball program! It is always a joy when we have alumni of our school return to be a part of our family at CCHS. Jared brings youth, energy, and passion to our school. He is also a man of great integrity, and I know that he will work to instill that in his students and players. I know that he will make a tremendous impact on our students that he works with in the classroom and in the gym. He will also be an exceptional leader for our basketball program and a role model our guys can look up to and emulate. We are excited and looking forward to all that he will lead the Lions to accomplish both on the basketball court and off!”

Cannon County High School Athletic Director Jeran Tenpenny stated, “I am thrilled to have Coach Nave as our new boys basketball coach. Jared is a Lion at heart and has great investment in our program. He was a four year Lion helping lead the program to a sub-state appearance in 2011. He then served on staff under Coach Matt Rigsby helping coach the Lions to a Region Championship (the first for the school since 1985) and sub-state appearance in 2015. The last few years he has been an assistant at Siegel High School in Rutherford County, helping to guide that program to a State Tournament appearance in 2021. Jared has a plethora of basketball experience and knowledge and is excited and looking forward to bringing excitement and energy, passion and pride to our team. Coach Nave has a passion and dedication not only to Lions basketball but also to Cannon County as a whole, as it is the place he has always called home. We are joyful to have that kind of vested interest in our basketball team, school, and community. Beyond what he will lead the Lions to accomplish as basketball players, I know he will help mold them into men who are prepared to be successful in all facets of life, beyond just basketball. We are looking forward to a bright season and future for the program and invite all Cannon Countians and Lions fans to help us in welcoming “one of our own” home to continue the historic tradition and pride that is Lions Basketball!”

Director of Cannon County Schools – Mr. William Freddy Curtis commented, “I am glad to have Mr. Jared Nave in Cannon County Schools as an outstanding Business Educator at Cannon County High School and Head Boys Basketball Coach.  He did outstanding work as an assistant coach at Siegel High School in Rutherford County the past few years, and will bring excitement, integrity, and energy to the Lions Basketball program!  I believe his pride and school spirit as a former team member of the Lions (and a former student of mine incidentally) will be a great motivator for our CCHS Boys Basketball Team and Program, as well as, his being an exceptional role model for our student athletes.  I am encouraged that he will instill our VISION and MISSION of Cannon County Schools – VISION – ‘Engaged in Excellence EVERY Day in EVERY Way!’ through OUR MISSION – ‘To Create a Unified Environment That Will Provide Opportunities for All Students to Reach Their Full Potential!’ in our student athletes! We are glad to have him back at Cannon County High School as Business-Personal Finance Teacher and Lions’ Head Basketball Coach!”

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) released the following actions and guidance regarding the nationwide infant formula shortage.

“As parents across the country face empty shelves at the grocery store, we’re reminded just how important a stable supply chain is for Tennessee families,” said Lee. “We thank grocers and retailers for doing their part as we pull every lever to give Tennesseans in crisis the resources they need – but ultimately, it’s time for the federal government to do all they can to deregulate, ease restrictions and get formula back on the shelves.”

Tennessee families impacted by the infant formula shortage are encouraged to use the following resources:

Resources

• Read guidance about formula substitution and warnings about altering formula here
• Call your local foodbank to ask if they have infant formula in stock here
• Check your formula’s lot code to see if it was affected by the recall here
• Find a list of formula substitutions for your child here
• Families who qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can find additional resources here

“It’s our top priority to ensure the health and wellbeing of all Tennessee children,” said TDH Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “We encourage families impacted by the formula shortage to use Tennessee Department of Health guidance to make informed decisions as we continue to seek solutions for this crisis.”

Breastmilk + Breastmilk Donation

Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee, a non-profit organization that provides donor milk to vulnerable babies in the NICU, is accepting breastmilk donations from nursing mothers. Learn more and donate here.

Tennessee nonfarm employment has fully rebounded from the pandemic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels of employment with 45,500 more people holding jobs now than in February 2020. The Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report issued by Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office shows that state unemployment dropped to 3.2%, below the national rate of 3.6%. “Employment exceeding pre-pandemic levels is an important milestone for our state,” said Secretary Hargett. “It reflects Tennessean’s resilience and our leaders’ commitment to a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and job growth. As the economy resets, we are seeing more companies choosing to make Tennessee their new home.” New business filings in the first quarter of 2022 grew 8.7% from first quarter filings in 2021, marking 42 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth. Over 77,000 new businesses filed over the past year and 21,353 new entities filed in the first quarter of 2022. Growth in business filings typically leads to growth in jobs, personal income and state revenue. The largest number of filings in the first quarter were in Shelby County, followed by Davidson, Knox and Hamilton counties. These four most-populous counties accounted for 44.3% of new filings state-wide. However, most of the year-over-year growth in filings occurred in Tennessee’s other 91 counties. Businesses in those counties expanded by 16.2%, reflecting efforts across the state on workforce development, education, infrastructure and responsible fiscal management. “Everywhere you look, there’s evidence that the strong economic momentum in Tennessee isn’t slowing down,” said Bill Fox, director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. “Nonfarm employment has not only recovered to pre-pandemic levels, but has exceeded them. Tax revenues are up; personal incomes are up. Our growing economy is not only beneficial to Tennesseans, but attractive to others wanting to move here, too.” This report provides a snapshot of the state’s economy based on key indicators, including new business data from the Secretary of State’s Division of Business and Charitable Organizations. It is published through a partnership with the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research and the Secretary of State. To review the complete Q1 2022 Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators report, past reports and a teleconference recording about the report with Secretary Hargett and Dr. Fox visit, sos.tn.gov.