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“The Baby in the Back program can make all the difference in protecting our youngest citizens from extreme temperatures,” said Secretary Hargett. “With this week’s expected heat and the likelihood of more hot days ahead, we want all parents and caregivers to know about our free program that ultimately can save lives.”   

On days with extreme heat, temperatures inside a parked car can quickly reach as high as 140 degrees. Instances where parents or caregivers have forgotten that their child is inside a vehicle have become more common in recent years. Baby in the Back serves as a visual reminder to always check the back seat to ensure young children stay safe.

“Unfortunately, we’ve heard the tragic stories where a child is accidentally left inside a hot car,” Secretary Hargett added. “Using the Baby in the Back hangtag program will hopefully help remind parents or caregivers to check the back seat one final time to ensure their child is safe during significant weather events.”  

Tennesseans can request free hangtags online through the Secretary of State’s officeby visiting https://sos.tn.gov/requesthangtags or by calling (615)-253-2668.

Tennessee tourism generated a record $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tennessee’s direct visitor spending increased 6.2% in 2023. This follows two consecutive years of double-digit growth, driving Tennessee to a 125% recovery over 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

“When tourism grows, Tennessee reaps the benefit with increased sales tax revenue,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services and creates a better quality of life for all Tennesseans. We welcome visitors from around the world to experience Tennessee’s music, scenic outdoor beauty, culture and food from Mountain City to Memphis.”

“Tennessee tourism is soaring, leading to benefits to Tennesseans,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Thanks to our destination marketing organizations across the state, in addition to our leisure and hospitality businesses in this amazing accomplishment. The record growth is a testament to the strength, resilience, determination and efforts of our people and the work of our industry in bringing visitors to enjoy why Tennessee Sounds Perfect.”

Key Highlights from Economic Impact of Travel 2023 report:

• Tennessee Tourism generated $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending in 2023, a 25% increase over two years
• Tennessee visitors spent $84 million each day in 2023
• Tax Benefits to Tennesseans
  • Visitor spending generated $3.2 billion in direct state and local tax revenues in 2023. Without tourism, each Tennessee household would have to pay an additional $1,160 in taxes each year
  • The State of Tennessee collected $1.9 billion in tax revenues
  • City and county governments collected $1.25 billion in tax revenues
  • Average taxes on direct visitor spending reduces the burden on community residents to fund infrastucture, education health and safety services
• Visitor spending sustained 191,522 direct jobs, one of every 24 jobs in the state
  • Employment supported by visitor activity increased 3% in 2023, rebounding to 98% of pre-pandemic levels
• Domestic visitor spending is 127% recovered to pre-pandemic (2019) levels
• International visitor spending is 81.6% recovered to pre-pandemic (2019) levels
• Tennessee visitors topped 144 million in 2023, up three million over 2022, led by relatively stronger growth in day visits

*Research conducted by Tourism Economics, commissioned by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) will release the full 2023 Economic Impact on Travel Report and direct visitor spending data for all 95 counties in August 2024. TDTD fostered a strong relationship with the Tennessee Department of Revenue to ground the economic impact numbers in the reality of tax collection data.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development works with the Tennessee Tourism Committee, local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, city and county leaders, tourism attractions and the hospitality industry in all 95 counties to inspire travel to the state.

As Tennesseans enjoy outdoor activities this summer, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds everyone to take simple and preventive steps to avoid mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases.

For most people a tick or mosquito bite will only cause local skin irritation or possibly mild, flu-like symptoms, but some people can have a serious illness with major consequences like severe pain, long-term or permanent nerve or brain damage or even death. For many tick and mosquito-borne diseases there are no vaccines or specific treatments, so prevention is key.

“Fortunately antibiotics can be prescribed for some tick-borne illnesses,’’ said TDH Vector-borne Disease Program Director Abelardo Moncayo, PhD. ‘’It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you’ve has a tick bite before a recent illness.”

To avoid mosquito and tick bites:
• Use insect repellants such as DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 on your skin, following all label recommendations for use. Pay particular attention to recommendations for use on children, and never apply any of these products around the mouth or eyes at any age. Consult your health care provider if you have questions.

• Reduce mosquito populations around your home. Mosquitoes can breed in any place that holds water, including clogged drains or gutters, watering cans and empty bottles.

• Use products containing permethrin, a highly effective insecticide, for clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear. Permethrin-treated clothing kills ticks, mosquitoes and other pests and retains this effect after repeated laundering. Some commercial products are available pretreated with permethrin. As a caution, however, it is not to be used directly on skin.

• Wear ’long, loose and light’ clothing to help prevent bites through fabric. It’s best to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants. Light-colored clothes are less attractive to many insects and may allow you to spot them more easily.

For more information on tick and mosquito bite protection go to
www.tn.gov/health/cedep/vector-borne-diseases/tick-borne-diseases.html or https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/vector-borne-diseases/mosquito-borne-diseases.html.

Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Pick Tennessee Products (PTP) program has joined together with Homegrown By Heroes to better promote local agricultural products produced by Tennessee farmer veterans.

The Homegrown By Heroes label is the official farmer U.S. military veteran branding program. Administered by the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, it certifies ranchers, farmers, and fishermen from all military branches to sell their products as veteran-owned and produced.

PTP has been connecting people everywhere to all the great things that come from Tennessee’s farms and food businesses for more than 30 years. The PTP logo informs consumers the products displaying were produced in Tennessee.

“We are proud of our military men and women and are honored when they choose to join our agricultural community,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “This merged Homegrown By Heroes and Pick Tennessee Products logo will allow our farmer veterans to stand out in the market as not only a Tennessee product but also a veteran-produced product.”

The mission of the Farmer Veteran Coalition is to mobilize veterans to feed America. They work to cultivate a new generation of farmers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. The Tennessee chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC-TN) assists veterans by finding resources that will help them start their agricultural dream.

“As the President of the Tennessee chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, I am excited about the partnership of Homegrown By Heroes and Pick Tennessee Products.” Ron Bridges, owner of Bee Ridges Farm in Anderson County, said. “This merged logo will serve as a symbol of the productive partnership between FVC-TN and TDA. Many FVC-TN members have enjoyed the benefits of advertising through the Pick Tennessee Products website and adding their Homegrown By Heroes veteran status has helped increase their customer base. Merging the two logos simplifies their visual presence and honors their military service and their farm’s specialty status.”

Many members of FVC-TN are beginning farmers working hard to build their customer base. “Having the Pick TN Products and Homegrown By Heroes logos as part of our farm’s marketing has been a tremendous help in reassuring customers of our quality and integrity,” said Rory Williams of M and R Farm in Marshall County. “I imagine that combining the two logos will strengthen our relationship-building going forward. We are honored to be able to advertise that our farm qualifies for both.”

Jennifer Rafn owner of Pecan Hill Farms in Lincoln County said, “We are proud to be able to share with our customers and others that we are a Pick Tennessee Products producer and a Homegrown By Heroes producer. We look forward to being able to showcase both memberships and hope to stand out as a producer with the combined logo.”

Find out more about Homegrown By Heroes by visiting farmvetco.org/hbh/. Find local products and more at www.picktnproducts.org/ and the free Pick TN mobile app. Look for the Homegrown By Heroes logo throughout the Pick Tennessee Products website to find a farmer veteran near you.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced significant momentum today in increasing the state’s college-going rate, highlighted by a 2.4 percentage point increase for the class of 2023 over the class of 2022.

The state’s 56.7% college-going rate for the class of 2023 represents the largest year-over-year increase since the initial implementation of the tuition-free Tennessee Promise scholarship in 2015.

The college-going rate indicates the percentage of Tennessee’s public high school graduates who seamlessly enroll in postsecondary education immediately after high school.

“In the fall of 2022, THEC was pleased to work with partners across the state to launch a ‘Momentum Year’ to increase the college-going rate for the class of 2023, to increase adult enrollment in higher education through Tennessee Reconnect, and to improve coordination and alignment in education and workforce training,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director.

“It is gratifying to see those efforts pay off in helping even more Tennessee students and adult learners pursue their dreams and careers with college degrees and workforce credentials beyond high school,” Gentile said.

“However, we know there is still so much more work to do to help ensure every Tennessean has the opportunity for college access and success, which is why we are doubling down on FAFSA completion with the class of 2024 this summer to help more students maximize free financial aid.”

In today’s report: Tennessee College Going and the Class of 2023, THEC provides valuable insights into the trends and progress of college enrollment among high school graduates in Tennessee, including for the first time differing college-going rates based on socioeconomic data.

These new findings showed economically disadvantaged students had a 39.3% college-going rate, while their non-economically disadvantaged peers had a 65.3% college-going rate.

Other major highlights from the class of 2023 college-going rate report include:

1. Overall College-Going Rate: The college-going rate for the class of 2023 is 56.7%, representing a 2.4 percentage point increase compared to the previous year. This increase for the class of 2023 represents the largest year-over-year increase since the initial implementation of the tuition-free Tennessee Promise scholarship in 2015.
2. Demographic Disparities in Access: College going for the class of 2023 is up across all race/ethnicity and gender pairs. However, these increases are not evenly distributed. White females, Hispanic/Latino males, and females in the “Other” race/ethnicity group saw growth in college-going rates above the statewide growth of 2.4 percentage points.
3. Dual Enrollment Impact: College-going rates for high school students who participate in the Dual Enrollment Grant remain high, and participation in the Dual Enrollment Grant has increased over time as the state has invested in wider opportunities for participation. Dual enrollment programs play a crucial role in fostering college readiness among Tennessee’s high school students. Students who were found to have participated in the Dual Enrollment Grant at any point in their high school career were found to have consistently higher college-going rates than their high school peers.

The release of today’s college-going rate report reaffirms THEC’s commitment to advancing educational attainment in Tennessee. The data not only highlights the progress being made, but also serves as a valuable tool for policymakers and educational institutions to identify areas for further improvement and enhance strategic planning.

For more information about THEC, and to access the full Class of 2023 college-going rate report, please visit www.tn.gov/thec/research/college-going-reports.

UPDATE: Suspect taken into custody Tuesday by law enforcement in Putnam County

On June 30m at approximately 6:15 a.m. while on patrol in Smith County at the Buffalo Valley Rest Area on I-40, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers were investigating a suspicious vehicle parked at the rest area. A trooper approached the vehicle and observed a male and female sleeping inside the vehicle. During the investigation, the trooper confirmed by a V.I.N. check that the vehicle was stolen. 

The trooper instructed the occupants out of the vehicle and detained them with handcuffs behind their backs. The female occupant was identified as Karen Vallie, 42 years of age, from Montana. The male occupant provided the trooper with a fraudulent name and social security number. The male was eventually identified as Charles D. Lawson, 55 years of age, from Tennessee.

Mr. Lawson was secured in a THP patrol vehicle. As the troopers inventoried the stolen vehicle’s contents and interviewed Ms. Vallie, Mr. Lawson gained control of the trooper’s patrol vehicle and fled the scene. Mr. Lawson soon after crashed the stolen THP patrol vehicle in Putnam County around Tucker Ridge Road. All of the trooper’s weapons were secured and accounted for within the patrol vehicle. There were no weapons taken from the vehicle.

If you spot Mr. Lawson do not approach him, instead we ask that you dial 911 immediately. THP Aviation and numerous K-9 Units are in the area attempting to locate Mr. Lawson. This incident remains under investigation.

Road construction won’t slow motorists across Tennessee over the July 4 holiday.  The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Wednesday, July 3 through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8 to provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers.

AAA predicts record travel in Tennessee this year, with 1.4 million Tennesseans taking a road trip.

“With so many people traveling on and around the Fourth of July, we want to do all we can to ensure they reach their destinations safely and without necessary delays,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We are doing so by suspending lane closures during this busy holiday travel time. Be mindful that our HELP Trucks will be on patrol and drivers must obey the law by moving over and slowing down for all emergency vehicles on the side of the road.”

Motorists will still encounter some long-term lane closures on construction projects.  While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on-site in zones, and reduced speed limits in work zones will still be in effect.  Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possibly increased insurance premiums.

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 statewide 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 their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Nearly 50 people were arrested after a months-long operation aimed at stopping the use and sales of drugs in the Warren County area, District Attorney General Chris Stanford said in a news release on Sunday morning.

The operation, dubbed Operation NeverEnding Story, targeted the use and sales of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other addictive and dangerous drugs. The Warren County Sheriff’s Department, McMinnville Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Stanford partnered in arresting nearly 50 people, according to the news release from Stanford and Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny.

“Fortunately, change is here, and your local law enforcement officials are committed to using every tool available to increase rates of incarceration for dangerous drug dealers in our community,” Stanford and Matheny said in the news release. “Recent truth-in-sentencing laws were passed in Tennessee that greatly strengthen prison sentences for certain repeat felony drug offenders. In addition, our team of local law enforcement is working hard every day to evolve our efforts in the fight against drugs. The obvious goal is to stop the never-ending story of the cycle of drug trafficking in our community.

“While we still have a long way to go, we are making significant strides and are proud of our work in the largest known drug dealer roundup, to date, in Warren County history.”

“If you are a drug dealer, know this: we are coming for you and we will get you.”

Statement from District Attorney General Chris Stanford and Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny

The district attorney’s office presented a range of suspects and proposed criminal charges to the Warren County Grand Jury during June’s session. The grand jury returned indictments for narcotic related charges for the targets of Operation NeverEnding Story. Law enforcement went into the community on Thursday to arrest those indicted.

Drivers traveling on I-24 in Coffee County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have an impact on traffic. As part of the bridge replacement project on I-24 at SR 2 in Coffee County, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews will shift interstate traffic nightly (from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am) beginning Wednesday evening, June 19, 2024, through Friday evening, June 28, 2024.

During these times, traffic on I-24 will be shifted at mile marker 105 in both directions to the Exit 105 ramps. In addition, US 41 (SR 2) at log mile 8.2 will be closed in both directions.

Drivers are encouraged to use caution as they navigate the traffic shift. Signage will be posted directing drivers through the work zone. This work is weather permitting. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances delay this work, it will be rescheduled to take place at a later date.

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 information regarding 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 their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Gov. Bill Lee has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden for Tennessee counties that were impacted by the severe weather and tornadoes on May 8-9, 2024.

“Federal disaster assistance will bring much-needed economic relief and resources to help our communities and fellow Tennesseans recover from the devastation of these storms,” said Gov. Lee.

Tennessee requested disaster assistance from two programs, Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. If granted, the Major Disaster Declaration, would make federal Individual Assistance available to Cannon, Giles, Maury Robertson, Rutherford, and Sumner counties and federal Public Assistance available to Cannon, Cheatham, Giles, Hamilton, Jackson, Macon, Maury, Montgomery, Polk, Smith, Sumner, and Warren counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance program may help with rental assistance, home repair and personal property replacement, in addition to other uninsured or underinsured disaster losses. The maximum aid available under this program is $42,500, and while it is intended to stabilize survivors, it does not cover all losses they may have suffered.

The FEMA Public Assistance program reimburses jurisdictions, and certain private, non-profit organizations for emergency work and uninsured infrastructure repair, such as debris removal, utilities restoration and repair, and eligible costs of responding to the emergency. 

More information about the federal Individual Assistance program is available here on FEMA’s website and more information about the Public Assistance program is available here on FEMA’s website. 

Tennessee experienced several rounds of severe thunderstorms which resulted in ten confirmed tornadoes, large, damaging hail, widespread areas of damaging straight-line winds, and heavy rainfall of up to nine inches in a 24-hour period, which caused significant flash flooding and riverine flooding from May 8 to May 9, 2024.  The severe weather claimed three lives in Maury County, disrupted travel, downed trees and power lines, and cut off power for tens of thousands of Tennesseans.

Agricultural and business losses are not eligible under FEMA’s programs and TEMA continues to work with federal agencies to determine which aid can be made available for those damages.