News

The Arbor Day Foundation has named Middle Tennessee Electric a 2022 Tree Line USA® utility to honor its commitment to proper tree pruning, planting and care in the utility’s service area. This marks the fourth consecutive year MTE has earned this recognition.   “MTE’s Vegetation Management Team works hard year-round to proactively maintain rights-of-way, to increase the reliability of our electrical system and educate our community about proper tree placement and vegetation management,” said MTE President and CEO Chris Jones. “This recognition is well-deserved, and I’m proud of Team MTE.”   Tree Line USA, a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing best practices that protect and cultivate America’s urban tree canopy. In addition, Tree Line USA promotes delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community forests.   “Trees are essential to creating more urban green spaces in communities across the United States,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “In addition, they provide important benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water, and vital tree shade. Service providers like Middle Tennessee Electric demonstrate how easily trees and utilities can co-exist for the benefit of communities and residents.” MTE received Tree Line USA recognition by meeting these five program standards: Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care Provide annual worker training in best tree care practices Sponsor a tree planting and public education program Maintain a tree-based energy conservation program Participate in an Arbor Day celebration. For more information on MTE’s Vegetation Management Program, please visit https://mte.com/TreeAndVegetationManagement.   If you’d like to know more information about Tree Line USA, please visit  www.arborday.org/TreeLineUSA.

The Tennessee Department of Education announced throughout the month of March, the state is celebrating Tennessee Literacy Month, highlighting how Tennessee’s educators, families, and community partners are focusing on improving literacy experiences for early learners through strategic investments and optional, free resources. Additionally, the department is excited to announce 99 districts have been recognized as Reading 360 Districts for their commitment to teacher training, leader support networks, and focused work on early literacy.

Tennessee has prioritized academic gains for students over the past decade, and most recently in the K-12 recovery and student acceleration response to COVID-19. In January 2020, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the Tennessee Literacy Success Act in the extraordinary special session. This Act laid a policy foundation for literacy in state for educators, school districts, universities and communities to focus on improving literacy opportunities and ensure every student builds strong reading skills grounded in phonics.

“In Tennessee, we recognize the importance of ensuring all our students are reading on grade level by third grade. Our educators, families, elected officials and communities are all committed and working incredibly hard to ensure more Tennessee students have access to positive experiences with learning to read so each student can take the love of reading and learning with them throughout their lives,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “During March Literacy Month, I hope all Tennesseans will help us celebrate by opening your books and keeping on reading!”

Throughout the month, the department will be visiting several Reading 360 Districts to see the literacy work in-action, unveil a Reading 360 banner, and celebrate the hard work and emphasis on literacy instruction in the district. During district events, the department will also be hosting family reading events with Riley the Reading Racoon, delivering decodables from the At-Home Decodable Book Series to K-2 families and Getting Reading to Read backpacks to Pre-K families.

“Cannon County Schools realizes that the strongest foundation for students is becoming excellent readers,” said William Freddy Curtis, Director of Schools, Cannon County Schools. “For the past several years there has been much emphasis on reading and literacy with our lower grade students and rightly so!  Our Cannon County Teachers and Administrators have invested in using high-quality instructional materials to support our literacy instruction with our students that drive their background knowledge with an emphasis on the foundational skills of reading. This has enabled our students as better readers to comprehend which leads to a higher-level of learning.  This is key as reading unlocks the path for the journey of learning and success in all areas. We are incredibly honored that Cannon County Schools is recognized as a ‘Reading 360 District’ and the great work our teachers and leaders do every day.”

Additionally, the department will also launch this summer’s Early Reading Training and Secondary Literacy Training, providing the opportunity for up to 15,000 more K-12 teachers to learn more about literacy instruction. Last summer, 10,000 educators completed the Early Reading Training, a 60-hour course in foundational literacy instruction. Districts expressed excitement about the impact of training on classroom practice.

 “I am so excited for Cannon County to be recognized as a Reading 360 district,” said Dr. Marcia Melton, Cannon County Schools, Supervisor of Instruction. “Our teachers have selected a new reading curriculum and 42 teachers completed the Early Reading Course last year to ensure our students have the best reading instruction possible. Successful early reading is the foundation to all other learning!”

Throughout March Literacy Month, the department will share resources and strategies to support at-home literacy engagement. These resources will support families with ways to engage in S.I.M.P.L.E. Moments at home by playing, modeling, listening, and learning about sounds together. Resources and support will be shared for families with readers of all ages and abilities, birth through eighth grade. Not only will families have access to these tangible resources, but they will also be provided strategies and support needed to use them at home through videos and models.

Many students who struggle with reading display characteristics of dyslexia, which includes difficulty associating sounds with letters and letter patterns, with spelling, and with word reading abilities. Children who struggle with reading also need additional opportunities to practice these newly acquired skills so that they can become more accurate and fluent. Families play a critical role in assisting their children by engaging in similar opportunities to practice reading in the home as in the classroom. The department will release additional resources for districts and families this month to help families support their struggling readers.

Assistant Principals for the 2022-2023 School Year were named today by Cannon County Director of Schools Mr. William Freddy Curtis based upon the recommendation of each Principal of the respective school.

Mr. Curtis announced that the following individuals were selected to be the Assistant Principal & Instructional Coordinator for each school in the Cannon County School System:

Cannon County Elementary School (formerly Woodbury Grammar School) – Grades: PreK – 5^th Grade located at 530 West Adams Street, Woodbury – Principal Ms. Emily Hancock with Assistant Principal/Instructional Coordinator Mr. Steven Smith;

Cannon North Elementary School (formerly West Side Elementary School) – Grades: PreK – 5^th Grade located at 3714 Murfreesboro Rd., Readyville – Principal Mrs. Karen King with Assistant Principal/Instructional Coordinator Ms. Melinda Crook;

Cannon South Elementary School (formerly Woodland School) – Grades PreK – 5^th Grades: located at 8383 Jim Cummings Hwy., Bradyville – Mrs. Angela Cossey with Assistant Principal/Instructional Coordinator Mrs. Maria Vickers;

Cannon County Middle School (NEW SCHOOL, temporarily located at former Woodbury Grammar School) – Grades: 6^th – 8^th – Dr. Thurman Tucker with Assistant Principal/Instructional Coordinator Dr. Annie Reed-Bilger;

Cannon County High School located at 1 Lion Drive, Woodbury – Grades: 9^th – 12^th – Mr. Courtney Nichols with Assistant Principals/Instructional Coordinators Mrs. Lydia Garrett and Additional Assistant Principal/Instructional Coordinator to be named at a later date.

Director Curtis stated, “These individuals will assist in leading their respective schools into a new era of education in Cannon County.  As we go forward, I have the utmost confidence that the individuals placed in these important instructional roles will exhibit academic excellence that will impact generations of Cannon County Students in the years to come.  These instructional leaders are tasked to be ‘Actively Engaged in Excellence Every Day and in EVERY Way!’ and our collective expectation is that each Principal will ‘Create a Unified Environment That Will Provide Opportunities for ALL Students to Succeed and Reach Their Full Potential.’  We had some outstanding candidates for all of these positions, and each principal worked very hard in the interviewing and vetting process. All of the Cannon County Schools Family, with these Principals and Assistant Principals leading their respective schools, will be working hard in the upcoming weeks and months regarding the Restructuring and Modernization process for our students. Principals and these Assistant Principals will continue the process by assembling and hiring Teachers and Staff Members for the 2022-2023 School Year at each of these schools in the upcoming weeks.  We congratulate those chosen to assist and lead their Faculties, Support Staff, and most of all their Students in the up-coming 2022-2023 School Year.”  

The Tennessee Department of Health recognizes World Birth Defects Day on March 3, 2022, joining other birth defect prevention organizations, including the World Health Organization, March of Dimes, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to increase awareness about birth defects.

Every year 8 million infants globally are born with a serious birth defect. Birth defects are a leading cause of infant mortality, and for babies who do survive, birth defects can result in lifelong physical and intellectual disabilities. Further, there are persistent racial and ethnic disparities when considering birth defects.

In Tennessee:

• 1 in every 27 babies born is diagnosed with a birth defect, about 3,000 babies annually

• 1 in every 5 infant deaths is attributed to birth defects

• Black infants have the highest prevalence of birth defects

“Health disparities impact birth outcomes just as they do many other health occurrences,” said Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Health and Director of the Division of Family Health and Wellness Tobi Amosun, MD. “We are focused on breaking down those barriers and to better understand the causes of health disparities in our state so we can ensure each child and family is set up for optimal health.”

Not all birth defects can be prevented, but women can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant and during pregnancy. For example, eating a healthy diet, taking 400mg of folic acid daily, starting prenatal care early, staying up to date on vaccines, managing chronic health conditions (such as diabetes and hypertension), and avoiding alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs.

If you are of childbearing age, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce the risk of having a child with a birth defect or find more information on https://www.marchofdimes.org/. To learn more about World Birth Defects Day, visit www.worldbirthdefectsday.org.

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.

Tennessee gas prices continue to increase across the state, jumping 15 cents, on average, since last Monday. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.44 which is 35 cents more expensive than one month ago and 94 cents than one year ago.  

“Russia’s invasion and the responding escalating series of financial sanctions by the U.S. and its allies have given the global oil market the jitters,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Like the U.S. stock market, the oil market responds poorly to volatility. This serves as a reminder that events on the far side of the globe can have a ripple effect for American consumers.” 

Quick Facts

• 85% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.50
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.19 for regular unleaded 
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.69 for regular unleaded
• Tennessee ranks 7th in the nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases

National Gas Prices

Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine has roiled the oil market, with crude spiking briefly to over $100/bbl before settling back into the mid-$90s. The increase in the global price of oil has led to higher pump prices in the U.S. The national average for a gallon of gas has risen to $3.61, eight cents more than a week ago.
 

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 600,000 bbl to 246.5 million bbl last week. Meanwhile, gasoline demand rose slightly from 8.57 million b/d to 8.66 million b/d. The increase in gas demand and a reduction in total supply contribute to rising pump prices. But increasing oil prices play the lead role in pushing gas prices higher. Pump prices will likely continue to rise as crude prices continue to climb.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.61, which is 26 cents more than a month ago and 90 cents more than a year ago.

National Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $1.22 cents to settle at $91.59. Although crude prices saw some fluctuations on Friday, they surged after Russia launched its military invasion of Ukraine earlier in the week. As the conflict continues, the oil markets will likely respond by continuing to increase the price of crude oil to reflect more risk of disruption to tight global oil supplies this week. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude stocks increased by 4.5 million bbl to 416 million bbl. The current stock level is approximately 10 percent lower than mid-February 2021, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices.

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.

Tennessee Regional Prices 

• Most expensive metro markets – Nashville ($3.53), Clarksville ($3.50), Cleveland ($3.49)
• Least expensive metro markets – Kingsport ($3.37), Jackson ($3.40), Memphis ($3.40) 

Beginning March 4, 2022, eligible children that did not receive assistance through Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program for the 2020-2021 school year will receive a retroactive benefit payment. This single retroactive payment will be sent to children who experienced a change in P-EBT eligibility status during the 2020-2021 school year, or that were not accounted for initially.

Eligibility for P-EBT is based on National School Lunch Program qualification and school attendance related to COVID-19. P-EBT is administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE). Both departments were instrumental in initiating Retroactive P-EBT to assist additional children who did not receive program benefits during the 2020-2021 school year.

“The COVID-19 pandemic caused much uncertainty and changes to daily routines for families, especially those that rely on school meals,” said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. “In partnership with TDOE, we’ve taken steps to ensure that all children eligible for P-EBT receive the benefit, despite fluctuations and changes that occurred during the last school year.”

Retroactive P-EBT Eligibility

Retroactive P-EBT is available to children who did not receive P-EBT that they qualified for in the 2020-2021 school year (also known as P-EBT Round 2 and 3) but would have based on their National School Lunch Program (NSLP) eligibility and attendance related to COVID-19. Some children were determined as eligible for P-EBT benefits after P-EBT Round 2 and 3 benefits were issued, resulting in the need to issue Retroactive P-EBT benefits.

In general, Retroactive P-EBT is based on the child qualifying for free or reduced-price school meals later in the school year, and the child missed school meals because the school was closed or operated at reduced attendance for at least 5 consecutive days in the 2020-2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What do parents need to do?

Parents do not have to apply for Retroactive P-EBT benefits. The amount of P-EBT benefits will vary for each individual child. Benefits will be distributed on existing P-EBT cards beginning March 4, 2022. If the card has been lost, parents can request a new one by visiting www.connectebt.com to request a new P-EBT card or call 1-888-997-9444. Qualifying children who have not received a P-EBT card will be issued one. P-EBT cards are used like a debit card to purchase food at participating grocers and online stores.

Parents can view the status of their child’s Retroactive P-EBT eligibility on the P-EBT Parent Portal by visiting https://tdhs.service-now.com/relief. TDHS is also introducing a new text messaging feature that allows parents to receive updates on the status of a child’s P-EBT benefits via text message. Parents can sign up for the text messaging service by visiting the P-EBT Parent Portal at https://tdhs.service-now.com/relief. 

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (PL 116–127, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 (PL 116-260), and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (PL 117-2) provides the Secretary of Agriculture authority to approve state agency plans to administer P-EBT. Approved state agencies may operate P-EBT when a school is closed or has been operating with reduced attendance or hours for at least five consecutive days during a public health emergency designation when the school would otherwise be in session.

The Cannon County Board of Education Budget Workshop scheduled for Monday, February 28^th, 2022 – 6:00 PM has been rescheduled to Wednesday, March 2^nd, 2022 – 6:00 PM at Cannon County Board of Education Central Office Boardroom, 301 West Main Street, Woodbury, TN 37190.

This rescheduling is due to the Cannon County High School Lionettes Basketball Team advancing to the Regional Semi-Finals to be held at Watertown High School on Monday, February 28^th, 2022 – 6:00 PM.  The CCHS Lionettes will face the York Lady Dragons.   

Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability (UCAAAD) is now offering application assistance with SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program for adults 60 and over or individuals with a disability. The USDA created SNAP to provide eligible individuals with monthly benefits to buy food.

 According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), SNAP is a good investment and can improve the health outcomes of food-insecure seniors. SNAP stimulates the economy with every $1 in additional SNAP benefits generating $1.73 in local economic activity.

The Upper Cumberland region includes Cannon and 13 other counties. If you know someone 60 and over or an individual with a disability, they may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Applicants 60 and over or an individual with a disability can now call the UCAAAD SNAP Benefits Coordinator at (931) 432-4111 for free and confidential application assistance.

“Lace up your running shoes and join us for the 4th annual Cannon Runs for Children 5K,” announced Cannon County Coordinator Amanda Hammond.  “The Child Advocacy Center invites you to join us on April 2, 2022 to celebrate Child Abuse Prevention month.”  

President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed April to be the National Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983, a tradition that continues to this day.  Congress recognized the increased rate that children were abused and neglected and made a commitment to implement solutions.  Government entities and non-profit agencies organized public awareness activities to promote healthy, strong families. 

Cannon County Youth Services Officer Christine O’Day stated, “The Child Advocacy Center is such a vital resource in our community, providing support and services for our children and families. I chose to be on the Cannon Runs for Children Committee to show my support of the CAC and those they serve, as well as to bring more awareness of their services. A bonus is that the event is a fun time with a wonderful purpose!” 

The event will be held at the Arts Center of Cannon County, located at 1424 John Bragg Highway in Woodbury.  Registration check-in will start at 6:45 a.m., speakers at 7:30 a.m., and the run will begin at 8:00 a.m. 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.  Pre-register for the event by visiting the website at cannoncountycac.org.  

The Cannon County Child Advocacy Center needs your help to make this event a huge success.  Team up with the Child Advocacy Center and show our community your commitment to children.  There are four levels of sponsorship – Platinum ($1,000), Gold ($750), Silver ($500), and Bronze ($250).  Sign up for sponsorships on the website or mail your contribution to Cannon County Child Advocacy Center, 214 West Water Street, Woodbury, TN  37190. 

When you partner with the Child Advocacy Center, you are supporting crisis intervention and prevention services for children and families.  For the last 14 years, the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center has worked as a team with the 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.  Last year 343 children and families were helped. 

Cannon County Board of Education Issues PROPOSED Student Zoning Map for 2022-2023 School Year

The Cannon County Board of Education would like to announce the issuance of a PROPOSED PRELIMINARY ROUGH DRAFT Zoning Map for the 2022-2023 School Year for informational purposes.  This PROPOSED PRELIMINARY ROUGH DRAFT Zoning Map will be discussed at the March 8^th, 2022 – 6:00 PM Cannon County Board of Education Workshop at 301 West Main Street, Woodbury, TN 37190 and enacted upon at the Cannon County Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, March 10^th, 2022 – 6:00 PM at Woodbury Grammar School Cafeteria, 530 West Adams Street, Woodbury, TN 37190.  Also, being discussed at the Workshop and possibly revised at the March Regular Monthly Meeting is Cannon County Board of Education Policy 6.206 – Transfers Within the System.    

Director of Cannon County Schools and Secretary to the Cannon County Board of Education William F. Curtis stated, “This Zoning Map is a PROPOSED PRELIMINARY ROUGH DRAFT document that the Cannon County Board of Education has asked Cannon County Schools Personnel to prepare in preparation for the 2022-2023 School Year as the result of the Cannon County Board of Education Restructuring and Modernization 5 Year Plan.  THIS PROPOSAL IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE as NEEDED by the Cannon County Board of Education.”

PROPOSED PRELIMINARY ROUGH DRAFT CCS ZONING MAP

2022-2023 School Year

PINK COLOR = CANNON NORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PreK – 5^th Grade) (Total Estimated Students = 230 Students & Approximate Building Capacity = 325 Students).

BLUE COLOR = CANNON COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PreK – 5^th Grade) (Total Estimated Students = 234 PreK- 5 Students)

CANNON COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL – (Temporarily located at Cannon County Elementary School = 403 6-8 Grade Students) ALL 6^th, 7^th, & 8^th Grade Students will attend CANNON COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL. Total of 637 Students with Approximate Building Capacity with CCES/CCMS = 700 Students).

GREEN COLOR = CANNON SOUTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PreK – 5^th Grade) (Total Estimated Students = 374 Students & Approximate Building Capacity = 400 Students).