The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) is urging everyone to take a moment to take a quick screening in honor of National Depression Screening Day: October 7, 2021.  Free screenings are available on the TDMHSAS website at this link through our partners at the Mental Health Association of America.

The screenings feature simple questions that anyone can ask themselves or a loved one to quickly evaluate their current mental health.  Based on the results, people can pursue additional help if needed through their primary care physician, a family member, or trusted friend.

Symptoms of depression and anxiety spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained well above normal since March 2020.  At the peak, more than 40 percent of Tennesseans were reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety.  At the latest survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate was back to peak levels after dipping during the spring and summer.

“The pandemic has really changed the game in terms of mental health for many people.  The stressors we’ve all felt to different degrees have challenged the stigma around mental health conditions.  There’s no better time than now to take a screening for an honest look at how you’re doing and ask for help if you need it,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.

Increases in depression and anxiety have been especially significant for younger people with ages 18-39 reporting symptoms at a rate higher than the average.

For Tennesseans who are uninsured and have no means to pay or for Tennessee children who are uninsured or underinsured, TDMHSAS is proud to offer an array of services to help.  Visit our website TN.gov/behavioral-health or call our Helpline (800) 560-5767 to learn more.

A Cannon County man who broke into a local body shop over the weekend and stole a car and thousands of dollars worth of tools has been caught thanks to the Smithville Police Department.

22 year old Joseph Morgan of Sycamore Creek Road, Woodbury is charged with burglary, felony theft, and felony evading. His bond is $56,000 and he will be in General Sessions Court October 21.

According to Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins and Lieutenant Detective James Cornelius, Morgan pried open a side door and entered Custom Collision Auto Body & Repair on South Congress Boulevard around 11 p.m. Saturday night, October 2. Once inside Morgan found a Kia Soul which belonged to a customer that was in the shop for repairs and began loading into the car thousands of dollars worth of tools along with the shop’s DVR surveillance system.

While Morgan was still inside the business, a Smithville Police Officer was on patrol in the area and spotted three people behind Smithville Elementary School who were there dumpster diving. The officer got the identities of the three and ordered them to leave. Not knowing Morgan was inside the body shop a few feet away, the officer left the area and continued patrolling around Food Lion where he found people behind that store. When he chased them away, the officer returned to patrol the parking lot of the county complex and noticed Morgan near the shop. Morgan had opened the bay door from inside the shop and driven the Kia Soul out of the building. After Morgan saw the officer, he sped away. The officer got in pursuit of the vehicle and was joined by other patrolmen. Although police couldn’t catch up to it at the time, the car was later found abandoned off Holmes Creek Road near Redneck Beach but the stolen tools were not in it.

During his investigation, Detective Cornelius learned that several businesses and other establishments near the scene of the crime captured video with their surveillance systems. He then spent hours reviewing the footage which helped identify Morgan as a suspect. Detective Cornelius also discovered that one of the people dumpster diving behind the elementary school was an acquaintance of Morgan although he has not been connected with Morgan’s illegal activities that night.

Police located Morgan Sunday and brought him in for questioning but he initially denied committing the crimes. Morgan was later released as more evidence was being gathered. By Monday evening Detective Cornelius was ready to make an arrest and again picked up Morgan.Once confronted with the proof, Morgan confessed and led officers to the place where he had ditched the stolen tools near the scene of the crime before making his getaway.

The stolen Kia Soul and almost all the stolen tools were recovered. There was some minor damage to the body shop where Morgan had pried open a door to gain entry. The value of the stolen car is $23,490; $20,000 in shop tools, and $2,300 for the DVR equipment which has not been recovered.

Chief Collins said he is proud of his team of officers and detectives for the work done in solving this case.

Thanks to media partner: WJLE

Governor Bill Lee has unveiled the state’s next standard license plate chosen by Tennesseans through a statewide vote.

“In our 225^th year of statehood, we invited Tennesseans to cast their vote and help select the state’s next license plate,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m proud to announce the winning design that will represent our unique grand divisions and take its place in Tennessee history.”

More than 300,000 Tennessee residents cast a vote, with 42% voting for the winning design.

New plates will be available online and in-person beginning January 3, 2022 as residents complete their annual tag renewal. Up to 100,000 plates per week will be produced to meet initial inventory demands.

Per Tennessee statute, the plate is redesigned every eight years if funds are approved in the General Assembly’s annual budget. Statute also requires the display of “Tennessee,” “Volunteer State” and “TNvacation.com” on the plate, as well as county name and expiration year decal locations. Statute provides that Tennesseans may select an “In God We Trust” plate option.

This new license plate design will replace the current plate that launched in 2006 with modifications in 2011, 2016 and 2017.

At the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Secretary of State Tre Hargett reminds Tennesseans about Safe at Home, the free statewide address confidentiality program for anyone who has experienced domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking or any sexual offense.

“Hundreds of individuals and families have protected themselves from becoming victims again by protecting their address through our office’s Safe at Home address confidentiality program,” said Secretary Hargett. “I encourage Tennesseans of any age or gender who’ve been a victim of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, or any sexual offense to take advantage of this free program.”

Safe at Home prevents abusers from locating their victims through public records by providing approved applicants a substitute address that may be used for legal purposes, including voter registration and government services such as a driver’s license and access to assistance programs.

Under current Tennessee law, most state and local government records are available for public review. These public records, which include identifying information, make it easy for abusers to track and find their victims.

The first step to participate in Safe at Home is to complete an application with one of our partner agencies. Safe at Home has partner agencies serving all 95 counties in Tennessee.  Safe at Home partner agencies include state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide counseling and shelter services to victims of domestic abuse and other crimes. There is no cost to participate.

Each partner agency has certified application assistants to guide participants through enrollment. A list of partnering agencies is available on our website SafeAtHomeTN.com. For more information about the Safe at Home program, participant eligibility or becoming a partner agency, visit SafeAtHomeTN.com or call 615-253-3043.

While most recognize the color pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October and November marks the second annual Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign promoting both breast and lung cancer awareness. The addition of the pearl color represents the ribbon for lung cancer awareness, which is observed in November. While breast cancer is the most common cancer in female Tennesseans, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women.

Routine cancer screenings continue to be incredibly important. It is estimated that nationally over 3.9 million breast cancer screenings have been missed due to the pandemic. Providers encourage all eligible individuals to attend routine check-ups, including routine cancer screenings. With fewer screenings, there are fewer diagnoses of breast cancer, which may result in some cancers being diagnosed at later stages with poor prognoses.

“Routine health screenings are an important part in a person’s health care journey,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “With proper screening and interventions, we can save more lives and curb the rising number of breast and lung cancer deaths in our state. The Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign raises awareness of these treatable conditions and reminds us that we all have a role to play – whether it is our own screening or encouraging that of a friend or family member.”

If your financial situation has changed due to COVID-19, you may qualify for free breast cancer screenings through the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBSCP). TBCSP provides breast and cervical screening services to uninsured and underinsured women and diagnostic testing for qualifying men and women. Learn more about the program at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/rwh/tbcsp.html or contact your local health department for more information.

Breast Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The current United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines recommend women begin regular mammogram screenings at the age of 50. Depending on risk factors, some women may need to begin screening at an earlier age.

Lung Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer in adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.

Reducing Disparities
While both breast and lung cancer impact individuals of all races and ethnicities, they are among many diseases that disproportionately affect minority populations. For both types of cancer, black men and women are more likely than their white counterparts to be diagnosed in later stages, and blacks are also more likely to die from these diseases. Data also indicates that black women and men are diagnosed with more aggressive subtypes of these cancers than their white counterparts. 

“In both breast and lung cancer, screening often is imperative to an early diagnosis and optimizing the chance of a better prognosis,” said Director of the Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination Monique Anthony, MPH, CHES. “As COVID-19 continues to amplify these inequities on vulnerable populations, including lack of quality care, the availability and cost of diagnostics and follow up care, bias, unfair policies and practices in health care. TDH is committed to reducing disparities and advancing health equity by increasing access to cancer screenings, conducting cancer prevention education and outreach strategies, and encouraging the inclusion of minorities
in clinical trials.” 

It is important to talk to your provider about your risk factors and determine if screening is right for you. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm for breast cancer and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/ for lung cancer.

Governor Bill Lee called for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene on Monday, October 18, 2021 for a special session to address funding, buildout and oversight of Ford Motor Company’s historic $5.6 billion investment at the Memphis Regional Megasite.

“Our partnership with Ford and SK Innovation will transform West Tennessee, and it’s important we ensure this project has the structure, funding and accountability needed to be successful,” said Gov. Lee. “I am calling a special session to secure a lasting impact for Tennesseans, and I thank the legislature for their partnership in an efficient, productive assembly.”

During the special session, lawmakers will address funding to support and benefit the Memphis Regional Megasite, including site development, education and workforce preparation.

The Tennessee Department of Health will begin offering booster doses of COVID vaccine to certain populations, beginning Friday, September 24.

A single dose booster of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine can be administered for individuals who met these criteria:
• People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
• People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
• People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
• People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

More information on the CDC’s recommendation for a booster dose is available online.

Local health departments across the state will be administering the booster dose. Information on appointment availability can be found at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/availability/. Appointments are not required. The Federal Pharmacy Partnership (FPP) for Long-Term Care (LTC) Program is facilitating on-site vaccination for residents in long-term care facilities. Additional vaccine providers offering the Pfizer vaccine can be found by visiting http://www.vaccines.gov. Patients do not need to prove their diagnosis or health condition to be eligible for the booster dose.

A Rutherford county woman is ordered to repay the state after appearing in court on charges involving TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced sentencing in Rutherford County for 37-year-old Maura Barrera. She was convicted of TennCare fraud and theft of property for failing to report her true employment status and household income so she could remain on the state’s healthcare insurance programs.

Barrera must repay the state $34,621.18 for benefits received while she was enrolled in TennCare. She was arrested on March 25 of this year. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Allyson Abbott of the 16^th Judicial District covering Cannon and Rutherford counties.

“We appreciate the perseverance of the Rutherford county district attorney general’s office in bringing prosecution of TennCare fraud to the forefront in their local communities,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “Our office will continue to do our part to preserve the integrity of TennCare benefits, so that those truly deserving of and eligible for TennCare have the best resources.”

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated over 5,760 criminal cases leading to more than $10.8 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. TennCare’s budget is comprised of both federal and state dollars, 65% and 35% respectively. To date, 3,137 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

To access the OIG most wanted list, visit https://www.tn.gov/finance/fa-oig/fa-oig-most-wanted.html. Anyone with information about a wanted subject is urged to use the contact information on the page.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982, toll-free or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare fraud.”

On Saturday, September 25, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote “Seat Check Saturday” during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 19 – 25. In celebration, the THSO released a new segment of its educational series “Talking Traffic Safety” to provide child safety tips and explain the proper installation of a car seat. Click here to view:  https://youtu.be/Mrc8Zo_kI0I

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children in America. In 2019, there were over 20,000 traffic crashes in Tennessee involving children up to the age of 12. Tennessee’s average car seat misuse rate is 87 percent.

“Using car seats that are age- and size-appropriate is best practice to keep your children safe,” said THSO Director Buddy Lewis. “If you are unsure how to install your car seat correctly, visit a local fitting station in your area so we can help you.”

The NHTSA recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible up to the top height or weight allowed by their particular seats. Once a child outgrows the rear-facing only “infant” car seat, he/she should travel in a rear-facing “convertible” or all-in-one car seat. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing size limits, he or she is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether. After outgrowing the forward-facing car seats, children should be placed in booster seats until they’re the right size to use seat belts safely.

To learn more about child passenger safety or locate a fitting station, visit www.tntrafficsafety.org/cps.

Middle Tennessee Electric came away as the most decorated utility from the Tennessee Valley Lineman’s Rodeo this weekend in Jackson, Tenn. Competing with utilities across the Tennessee Valley, MTE claimed seven of the 12 places in overall results across four categories of competition.   Leading the way was MTE’s Logan Barber, who won overall lineman competition. He was followed by his teammates Adam Montgomery and Billy Jack Alexander, who came in second and third, respectively.   In the senior division, Mike Diggs and Danny Crawford came in second and third overall. In the apprentice lineman category, Nolan Farris finished second overall, and in the team competition, MTE’s three-man team of Josh Fuller, Tommy Kirkland and Chase Patterson came in second overall.   “All our team members represented MTE extremely well,” said MTE CEO Chris Jones. “This competition features great linemen from electric companies across the Tennessee Valley, so this showing was really something. It’s just another reason for our members to be proud of the lineman who serve them so well.”   The rodeo, which includes competitive events for apprentices, journeyman teams of three, individual linemen and senior individuals (age 45 and up), recognizes and rewards excellence in safety, skills and knowledge. Each category of the all-outdoor competition had either three or four events for the competitors, and MTE was also the best represented utility across all events with strong finishers in each event:   INDIVIDUAL LINEMAN Hurtman Rescue Jonathan Fitzpatrick 1st Place Logan Barber 2nd Place Clint Newman 3rd Place Double Dead End Bell Change-Out Logan Barber 3rd Place 4KV Insulator Change-Out Logan Barber 1st Place Billy Jack Alexander 2nd Place Adam Montgomery 3rd Place Transformer Tap Change Logan Barber 1st Place Adam Montgomery 2nd Place Matt Patrick 3rd Place SENIOR LINEMAN Hurtman Rescue Danny Crawford 2nd Place Transformer Tap Change Bo Asbury 1st Place Danny Crawford 3rd Place CSP Transformer Arrestor Change Mike Diggs 1st Place Danny Crawford 3rd Place APPRENTICE LINEMAN Hurtman Rescue Nolan Farris 3rd Place Transformer Tap Change Nolan Farris 2nd Place Branson Hammrich 3rd Place CSP Transformer Arrestor Change Branson Hammrich 2nd Place LED Security Light Change-Out Branson Hammrich 1st Place TEAM Hurtman Rescue MTE Team 1st Place Double Dead End Bell Change-Out MTE Team 3rd Place Replace Cross Arm Storm Damage MTE Team 3rd Place 4KV Cross Arm Change-Out MTE Team 3rd Place   This annual event provides an opportunity for line workers to showcase their talents and for family and friends to show their support. Participants, spectators and sponsors continue to look forward to the rodeo as it cultivates pride in the trade and kinship among participants and attendees alike.