News

With forecasts predicting temperatures in the 90’s for portions of the state this weekend, AAA is urging motorists to keep their children, pets and vehicles safe during the extreme heat expected this weekend.  

“The interior of a vehicle can heat up to deadly temperatures much more quickly than we realize, especially during times of extreme heat like we are expecting over the weekend,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We are urging parents and caregivers to not underestimate the risks that excessive heat can pose and to understand that hot car deaths are preventable.”

According to NoHeatstroke.org, on average, 38 children die from heatstroke inside hot vehicles each year nationwide. Despite warnings from safety organizations each year, children continue to die from this preventable tragedy.

AAA-The Auto Club Group provides the following safety tips to help keep children and pets safe:

• Don’t Leave Children Alone, Even for Short Amounts of Time – Never leave children unattended in a vehicle – even if the windows are open or the air conditioning is running.
• Teach Children That Vehicles Are Not Play Areas – Don’t let children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach your children that a vehicle is not an appropriate hiding spot in hide-and-seek.
• Keep Your Vehicle Locked – lock your vehicle doors and trunk even in driveways and garages, and keep keys out of children’s reach. 
•  Make it a Habit to Check Your Vehicle– Before locking your vehicle and walking away, make it a habit to always check the front and back seats. 
• Create Caregiver Reminders – If you normally drop your child off at a babysitter or daycare, ask the caregiver to call you if your child doesn’t show up as expected.
• Add Reminders in Your Vehicle– Put your purse, wallet or cell phone in the back seat. This way, you are reminded to look in the back seat before leaving the vehicle. You can also keep a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat. When the child is with you, move it to the front seat as a reminder that your child is in the back. 
• Never Leave an Animal in a Parked Car, Even if the Windows are Partially Open –  Even on pleasant days, your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet in danger.  
• Call for Help – If you see a child or pet alone in a locked car, call 911 immediately and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.

Extreme heat can also pose risks to your vehicle. AAA recommends drivers check these five key areas to help their vehicle safely survive higher temperatures:

1. Battery

• Securely mount the battery in place to minimize vibration.
• Clean any corrosive build up from the battery terminals and cable clamps.
• Ensure the clamps are tight enough that they will not move.
• If a car’s battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.
  • The test can be performed at any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, or AAA members can request a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician come to them and test their battery free of charge.
  • Should the battery need replacement, the technician can usually replace it on location. For more information about the AAA Mobile Battery Service visit AAA.com/Battery.

2. Engine Coolant

• Have the system flushed and the coolant replaced periodically as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Consult the owner’s manual to determine the service interval appropriate for a vehicle.
• Inspect hoses and drive belts for cracking, soft spots or other signs of poor condition.
• Replace worn parts.

3. Tires

• Check tires when the car has not been driven recently.
• Inflate tires to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer—not the number molded into the tire sidewall.
• Inspect the tire treads for adequate depth and any signs of uneven wear that might indicate a suspension or alignment problem.

4. Engine Fluids

• Check all vehicle fluids including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels.
• If any fluids need to be topped off, be sure to use the type of fluid specified in the owner’s manual.

5. Air Conditioning

• Maintain a comfortable driving environment to reduce fatigue and increase driver alertness for increased vehicle safety.
• Have the air conditioning system checked by a certified technician.

Be Prepared for Summer Breakdowns

Even with proper preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still occur.  AAA recommends every driver have a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. The kit should include a flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.

The Tennessee Department of Education has released statewide average 3rd grade and 4th grade results for the ELA portion of the spring 2024 Tennessee Comprehensive Academic Program (TCAP) assessment. Third grade student scores remained steady as 4th grade student scores showed significant improvement, thanks to the nation-leading, comprehensive statewide literacy strategy for Tennessee public schools.

On the ELA portion of the spring 2024 TCAP, 3rd grade improvement remained steady with a slight increase to 40.9% proficient. Overall, 4th grade students achieved a 2.9 percentage point increase in their proficiency rate to 46.4% proficient, demonstrating the year-over-year gains for this cohort of students who reached an historic achievement level last year. Additionally, the fewest number of 4th grade students scored in the “below expectations” proficiency performance level than ever before, meaning more 4th grade students are meeting or are within reach of meeting expectations.

“Due to the hard work of students, teachers, districts, and families, the investments and initiatives to improve literacy rates in Tennessee have resulted in year-after-year gains, thanks to the dedication of Gov. Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “With the partnership of our districts and schools, we will continue the course to ensure all students are provided with opportunities and resources to be successful readers and learners.”

Solutions to Boost Literacy

Reading is the foundation to all learning, and 3rd grade is a critical milestone. Before 2020, only one-third of 3rd graders in Tennessee had met expectations on the TCAP in ELA. The department’s Reading 360 initiative coupled with other supports have created a comprehensive approach, boosting reading skills for kindergarten through 3rd grade students to read on grade level and empowering them to excel in 4th grade and beyond.

Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly convened a special legislative session in January 2021 to pass meaningful legislation to mitigate learning loss and strengthen Tennessee’s K-3 literacy strategy, including the Tennessee Literacy Success Act and the Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act, which established early literacy interventions, high-dosage, low-ratio tutoring, and summer learning camps.

Statewide TCAP data shows the positive impact of enhanced ELA academic standards driven by Tennessee teachers that went into effect in 2017 and the emphasis of early literacy supports, propelling the state to reach the highest rates of 3rd and 4th grade ELA proficiency. 

Third grade and 4th grade students who may need extra learning supports have multiple pathways available to them. Families can find essential promotion pathways information here and should coordinate with their student’s school to ensure they can make informed decisions about their student’s education.

For additional information about Tennessee’s 3rd and 4th grade learning acceleration strategy, including high-dosage, low-ratio tutoring and summer learning camps, click here.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has issued a Code Orange Health Advisory for the Nashville area until midnight CDT Friday night.

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Ozone has been issued. Ground level Ozone concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.

The general public is not likely to be affected. Active children and adults, and people with a respiratory disease such as Asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

For additional information…visit the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation site at http://www.tennessee.gov/environment.

With temperatures in Middle Tennessee expected to soar into the 90s this weekend, Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) has provided several recommendations to help members reduce their energy usage and save money on their electric bills.  Nudge the thermostat up: Keep your thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature, ideally between 76 and 78 degrees. This reduces cooling costs by minimizing the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures.   Replace HVAC filter regularly: Change your HVAC air filters regularly, preferably once a month. Dirty filters can raise energy costs due to operational inefficiency and will affect the lifespan of your HVAC unit. Unless you have a longer-life filter, experts recommend replacing air filters once a month. Changing your filter when you pay your electric bill is an easy way to remember.   Turn off unnecessary lights: Lights emit heat, which can increase room temperatures and make your cooling system work harder.   Use blinds and drapes: Close blinds or drapes during the day, especially on southern and western-facing windows, to block out the sun’s heat.   Run ceiling fans counterclockwise: This direction pushes air straight down, making the room feel cooler by 3-4 degrees. Remember to turn them off when you leave a room.   Minimize use of stoves and ovens: These appliances can significantly raise kitchen temperatures. Opt for an outdoor grill, slow cooker or microwave instead.   Schedule heat-producing chores: Perform cooking, cleaning, ironing, and laundry during cooler early morning or evening hours.   Reduce indoor humidity: Use a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels, making the air feel cooler and reducing the load on your AC.   Maintain HVAC systems: HVAC units can account for more than 50% of your energy use. Regular maintenance and seasonal tune-ups ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently, saving energy and money.     Install programmable thermostats: These devices can automatically adjust temperatures for optimal comfort and energy savings, especially when the house is empty. MTE offers a Levelized plan to help members manage their monthly electric bills more predictably. This option can be particularly beneficial during periods of extreme temperatures, such as the hot summer months, when energy usage can spike. For more information on the Levelized plan, go to mte.com/myEnergyPlan or call 877-777-9020 to speak with a representative who can explain the details of the program and assist with enrollment. MTE also suggests visiting mte.com/EnergyTips for more detailed information. Additionally, members can monitor their energy usage with the free myMTE app, which helps track energy consumption patterns and identify opportunities to save. For personalized assistance, MTE has a team of energy efficiency experts dedicated to helping members manage and reduce their electric use. To take advantage of the services provided by MTE’s energy efficiency experts, you can: Visit mte.com/EnergyServices for more information about their energy services programs.   Call 877-777-9020 to speak directly with a trusted energy advisor who can provide personalized assistance and answer any questions you may have.

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security is offering free 15-inch cable locks that secure most shotguns, rifles, pistols, and revolvers. The cable lock works by running through the barrel or action of the firearm preventing it from being fired. The rubber coating on the cable helps to protect the firearm. The cable lock has a secure keyed deadbolt locking mechanism with a 4-pin cylinder. To date, 69,500 gunlocks have been distributed.

For added security, it is recommended gun owners use the free cable gun lock in combination with other safe storage measures. A firearm with an engaged cable lock should be stored in a locked gun case, firearm safe, or lock box.  Ammunition should be stored in a separate locked container. Keys to the cable lock should be stored separately from the firearm in a hard-to-access secure location.

“Safe firearm storage saves lives, and as a gun owner, the safe storage of your firearm is your responsibility,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. “Safe storage can prevent accidental shootings, suicide, and theft. I encourage all Tennessee gun owners to use our free gun lock to store their firearm safely.”

The new video depicts a father teaching his son to safely shoot a gun. A curious, younger daughter, watches and wanting to join them, starts searching her parents’ room. The daughter discovers a gun her parents’ thought was well-hidden. Her father comes inside catching the daughter off-guard. Startled, she turns and points the gun directly at her father. Shocked then relieved, the father takes the gun away, and hugs her. The viewer then sees the firearm had a Safe Store Tennessee cable lock on. The father says, “This is why Daddy locks his gun.” The video cuts to a black screen promoting SafeStoreTN.com, which lists locations in all 95 counties where Tennesseans can obtain a free cable lock.

Once again, Manchester, Tennessee will host the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, which is one of the most popular live music events in the country. Since 2002, the event has featured a diverse assortment of performers on a 700-acre Middle Tennessee farm that becomes the temporary home for thousands from across the country. Over 65,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival, which runs from Thursday, June 13, 2024, through Sunday, June 16, 2024.

The area in and around Manchester always sees increased traffic volumes during this time. And the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is gearing up for the extra traffic. TDOT works closely with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire and Rescue, Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Coffee County EMA, and festival promoters to keep traffic moving on I-24 while also getting Bonnaroo attendees to their destination.

“TDOT has once again coordinated with our agency partners to ensure safe and efficient travel during the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival,” says Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “The main objective is to keep thru traffic moving smoothly on I-24 while getting festivalgoers safely in and out of the Bonnaroo site. As a result of this planning, we believe we can successfully minimize traffic delays throughout the weekend.”

TDOT HELP units will assist with traffic management during the festival and aid any motorists who require assistance. In addition, TDOT will be taking the following steps:

• Efforts will be concentrated on keeping I-24 traffic flowing.
• HELP trucks will be on-site patrolling the interstate and state routes throughout the festival region.
• Exit 111 (SR-55) will be used as the main festival exit. Alternate exits will be used if congestion occurs on the interstate.
• TDOT maintenance units will be posted throughout the festival region, and maintenance personnel will be on call all weekend.
• Variable message signs will be in place to warn drivers ahead of delays.
• No construction-related lane closures on I-24 near the festival between 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, through 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024.
• Median crossovers will be guarded to prevent motorists from parking in the crossovers and blocking emergency vehicles.
• Festival traffic will be kept in the right lane and/or on the shoulder of the interstate, allowing through traffic to utilize the left travel lane unimpeded.
• Emergency vehicles will use county roads that will be kept at low volume.
• Temporary communication towers will be in place to improve emergency communications.

If drivers need the assistance of a state trooper while traveling anywhere in Tennessee, they can dial *THP (*847) from their cell phone. They will be automatically connected to the nearest THP dispatch office and the operator will send a state trooper to their location.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live-streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. 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.

Donny Green, DeKalb-Cannon County FSA County Executive Director, announces that the nomination period for the 2024 Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee Election is underway. The nomination period continues through August 1, 2024.

“I encourage all producers to participate in the county committee election process by nominating candidates by the
August 1 deadline,” said Green. “We are counting on as much participation as possible, because county committees are an important link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We have seen a trend in recent years of increased nominations of minority, beginning farmers, and women producers and we hope that will continue.”

Committees apply their judgment and knowledge to make decisions on county commodity price-support loan eligibility, establishment of allotments and yields, conservation programs, disaster programs, employment and other farm program-related issues. Nationwide, there are more than 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members who are elected by eligible local producers. Member serve three-year terms.

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.

Nominees must reside in Local Administrative Area (LAA) for which they are seeking to be elected. For the 2024 Election, the DeKalb-Cannon FSA County Committee Election will conduct elections in LAA # 1 (DeKalb County) and LAA # 5 (Cannon County). Below are the descriptions of the LAA’s that will be conducting elections this year: 

Local Administrative Area # 1, the portions of DeKalb County described as following:

East of a line where Hwy. 146 crosses the Cannon County line; following Hwy. 146 North to Hodges Rd.; thence north to Tabernacle Rd.; following Tabernacle Rd. to Dry Creek Rd.; east of Dry Creek Rd. to Hwy. 70 West; south of Hwy. 70 to Hwy. 96 (Dale Ridge Rd.); thence north to Hwy. 96 to Hwy. 141 (Wolf Creek Rd.) to Center Hill Dam; from Center Hill Dam following Center Hill Lake southwest to include the area south and southwest of the lake to Sligo Bridge; thence following Hwy. 70 East in a westward direction to the intersection of Hwy. 70 and Hwy. 56; thence the area west of Hwy. 56 South to the Warren County line; north of the Warren/DeKalb County line back to Hwy. 146 at the Cannon County line.

Local Administrative Area # 5, the portions of Cannon County described as following:

That portion of Cannon County that lies west of Highway 53 (a state highway that runs south from the DeKalb County line and north from the Coffee County Line).

Individuals may nominate themselves, or others, as a candidate. In addition, eligible candidates can be nominated by community-based and other organizations in the county where the election is being held before the close of the nomination period, especially groups representing socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.  Nominations and elections are open to all eligible candidates and voters without regard to race, color, religion, nation origin, age, sex, marital status or disability.  The nomination form (FSA-669A) and other important election materials are available at USDA Service Centers and online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/newsroom/county-committee-elections/index.

Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters in LAA’s # 1 and # 5 on November 4, 2024. Completed ballots must be returned, either in person or postmarked, no later December 2, 2024. For more information about FSA county committees, visit the DeKalb/Cannon County USDA Service Center or call 615-597-8225, extension 2.

Change of Local Tax Rate: Cannon County

Local Tax Rate Change in Cannon County, Tennessee On November 2, 2023, voters in Cannon County voted to increase the local sales tax rate to 2.75%. The effective date of the tax rate increase is June 1, 2024.

Application of the New Tax Rate

The new rate will apply to all taxable sales of tangible personal property made on or after June 1, 2024. It also applies to the sale of taxable services for billing periods starting on or after June 1, 2024. Sellers located in Cannon County and the Cannon County cities of Auburntown and Woodbury must collect and remit the tax at this new rate. The corresponding local consumer use tax rate for people in Cannon County also increases to 2.75%.

Single Article Application

The local option tax rate in Cannon County is applicable to the first $1,600 of the sales price of any single article of tangible personal property sold, unless that item is specifically exempted from local tax or taxed at another rate by law. The local tax cap on sales of single articles of tangible personal property will be $44. The local rate is also applicable to the total sales price of any taxable service. In addition, there is a state single article tax rate of 2.75% applicable to the sales price, from $1,600.01 up to and including $3,200, of any item of tangible personal property.

For More Information Visit www.tn.gov/revenue. Click on Revenue Help to search for answers or to submit an information request to one of our agents.

Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue, Notice 24-02

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) announced today one final extension of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline for the Tennessee Promise scholarship program.

The FAFSA deadline will be extended to Thursday, August 1 for students wanting to remain eligible for the TN Promise scholarship. This final extension allows students ample time to apply for essential financial aid for college and solidify their college choice for the fall.

“The release of the new FAFSA has inadvertently been an obstacle to certainty around many students’ fall college decisions,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC/TSAC Executive Director. “Our ongoing objective is to assist students and families in completing the FAFSA before fall enrollment. This final extension will allow us to effectively utilize these funds and provide support to as many students as possible.”

This decision to push the deadline is in part due to THEC/TSAC being notified of a $1 million award from the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s FAFSA Student Support Strategy initiative. This funding will enable THEC to enhance FAFSA completion efforts and provide more targeted support to students and families across the state.

Since the launch of the redesigned FAFSA in January 2024, which serves as the application for both federal and state financial aid, many students have encountered challenges in successfully submitting their applications. This award will fund THEC’s “TN FAFSA Frenzy” initiative this summer.

As part of “TN FAFSA Frenzy,” THEC/TSAC will organize events statewide, implement communication campaigns to promote FAFSA completion, and provide staff resources to assist institutions. These initiatives aim to ensure that more students and families can successfully navigate the FAFSA application process and secure the financial aid they need.

The Tennessee Promise scholarship program, which recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary, offers eligible high school seniors the opportunity to obtain a technical certificate or associate degree tuition-free, paying for tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other financial aid sources.

“THEC/TSAC will continue to work diligently to ensure that every student in Tennessee can access higher education through the completion of the FAFSA,” Gentile said.

For more information about upcoming FAFSA completion events and resources, please visit CollegeforTN.org/FAFSA or call 1-800-342-1663.