News

With today’s Presidential election, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and the Division of Elections are reminding all registered voters casting ballots of two resources available to have questions answered or concerns addressed by election experts. Voters can call the Election Day Hotline at 1-877-850-4959 with questions or text “TN” to 45995 to report fraud or other election-related issues.

“Preserving election integrity remains our highest priority, and we want all voters to know Tennessee elections remain secure,” said Secretary Hargett. “Through these mechanisms, we provide easy and direct access to election officials, so voters can have confidence when casting a ballot and know that any potential issue is addressed.”

Voters can simply call the Election Day Hotline at 1-877-850-4959, or they can use the text service. Using a cell phone or other texting device, the text option provides Tennesseans with a secure link where concerns are directly submitted to the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections. The Division then reviews submitted information and works with county election commissions, district attorneys, and others to take appropriate action.

“We work with local county election officials to ensure all registered voters have a positive election day experience at polling locations,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins.

Tennessee remains number one in election integrity for the third consecutive year; recently the state set a new in-person record of 2.13 million votes cast during the 14-day early voting period, and 76 counties exceeded in-person turnout from 2020.

Registered voters casting ballots on Election Day should remember to bring valid photo identification to the polls. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government, or the federal government can be used even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable. 

For more information on hours and polling locations, or to view a sample ballot, download the Secretary of State’s free GoVoteTN app or visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Nobody Trashes Tennessee (NTT) campaign announces its fourth annual No Trash November, a month-long statewide initiative encouraging Tennesseans to participate in cleanup events in their communities. Last year’s campaign included more than 150 events with over 2,200 volunteers who collected more than 86,000 pounds of litter from the state’s roadways.

“Litter on our public roads, including our state’s scenic byways and waterways, have detrimental impacts on safety, the environment, and the economy, while also detracting from Tennessee’s natural beauty,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We want to keep our residents and travelers safe from the harmful effects of litter, especially with increased travel during the holiday season. No Trash November offers an entire month for the Volunteer State to come together and make a real impact.”

In partnership with Keep Tennessee Beautiful (KTnB), Adopt-A-Highway participants, and youth groups including Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts, the initiative encourages residents to join existing public events or host their own community cleanup in November. Groups that collect the most litter will be recognized in four categories: Keep Tennessee Beautiful Affiliate, Adopt-A-Highway Group, Youth Group, and River Group. Participating scout groups will also earn a Nobody Trashes Tennessee patch.

“We are grateful for our many partners with a passion for keeping their local communities clean, safe, and beautiful,” said Brittany Morris, TDOT Transportation Program Supervisor. “They are once again taking action during No Trash November to help us in our mission to prevent and reduce litter.”

New this year, and to encourage individuals to get involved in No Trash November, is the Trash Masters Rewards program. Participants earn points for various activities like taking a litter quiz, attending cleanup events, and spreading awareness. Participants can earn double points for all activities throughout November, making it the perfect time to join. Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including discounts at local businesses and exclusive NTT swag. It’s a fun and engaging way for individuals to contribute to a litter-free Tennessee while being recognized for their commitment to the environment.

To find a local cleanup event and to register your group to participate in No Trash November, visit nobodytrashestennessee.com/events. Campaign tools and resources including a cleanup location map and a trash tracker measuring pounds collected are also available online.

All residents are encouraged to show their support for a litter-free Tennessee by using the #NobodyTrashesTennessee and #NoTrashNovember hashtags in social media and to highlight their litter prevention actions throughout the month. For additional ways to participate in No Trash November, visit: Be Part of the Solution: 5 Ways to Get Involved This No Trash November.

Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the 2023-24 statewide graduation rate is 92.1 percent, breaking the previous record achieved in the 2022-23 school year at 90.6 percent.

“Once again, Tennessee’s unwavering dedication to fostering student success has led us to achieve an extraordinary milestone—setting a new state record for graduation rates for the second consecutive year,”said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of our district and school leaders, educators, and families working together to help all our students achieve their goals and be successful.”

For the 2023-24 school year, the most notable takeaways from graduation data include:  

• Clay County Schools, McKenzie Special School District, South Carroll Special School District, and West Carroll Special District each had over a 99% graduation rate.
• 73 districts graduated 95 percent or more of their students on time.
• 1,756 more students graduated in the 2024 cohort compared to last year, for a total of 67,232 students graduating across the state.
• 78 districts improved their graduation rates from 2023 to 2024, with seven districts improving by five percentage points or more.
• The English learners student group demonstrated a 12-percentage point increase in their graduation rate from 67% in 2022-23 to 79% in 2023-24.
• 23 districts finished the year with over a 99% graduation rate for at least one of the following student groups: English Learners, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Economically Disadvantaged, and Students with Disabilities.

Cannon County’s graduation rate improved during the 2023 – 2024 period and was above the state average.

In order to advance academic achievement and prepare students for postsecondary success, districts continue to offer summer programming and tutoring supports for additional learning time, innovative college and career exploration, and access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  

For more information on graduation rates for individual districts and schools, please visit the department’s Data Downloads webpage. 

Secretary of State Tre Hargett today issued one final reminder that the early voting period in Tennessee officially ends Thursday, Oct. 31.

“If you have made your electoral decision go ahead and cast your ballot.  Don’t risk not being able to get to the polls on Election Day. Head to the polls today and vote,” said Secretary Hargett.

Through the first 11 days, more than 1.7 million voters have already cast their ballot, including an in-person turnout of more than 1.64 million, which outpaces 2020 in-person numbers. 

As of October 30th, the Cannon County Election Commission has voted 3942 by-mail and in-person voters. Thursday, October 31st is the last day to early vote. Early voting in Cannon County is located at the Election Commission office in the Cannon-Adams building, use the Tatum Street entrance.  Hours for Thursday are open from 8 am to 7pm.

Those voting early or on Election Day should remember to bring valid photo identification to the polls. A driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government, or the federal government can be used even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable.

Tennessee remains number one in the nation in election integrity for the third consecutive year; registered voters can find hours and polling locations, view sample ballots, and more by downloading the Secretary of State’s free GoVoteTN app or by visiting your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov.

As trick-or-treaters gear up for spooky fun, AAA is offering tips to keep everyone safe.

On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year according to Safe Kids Worldwide.

“Since Halloween falls on a Thursday, it’s likely that festivities could start early in the week and continue throughout the weekend,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We’re urging drivers to keep an eye out for pedestrians, slow down in neighborhoods, and avoid distractions and impairment behind the wheel to help keep everyone safe.”

AAA is also reminding Tennesseans that October is Pedestrian Safety Month.

According to a 2023 survey of Tennesseans, AAA found that one in four Tennesseans had nearly hit a pedestrian while driving in the previous 12 months.

The survey also found that:

• Nearly one in three (31%) Tennesseans reported witnessing a vehicle almost hit a pedestrian in the past 12 months
• One in five Tennesseans (21%) who walk in residential or downtown areas said they had almost been hit by a vehicle while walking in the past year

Click here to read the full survey.

AAA recommends the following tips for drivers:

• Remain seated and buckled.Everyone in the vehicle should remain seated and buckled at all times, even when parked on the side of the road.
• Designate a navigator. If you need to check a map, take pictures, or do anything that will take your attention off the road, pull over or delegate those tasks to a passenger.
• If you are driving, focus on driving. Even going just a few miles over the speed limit in a residential neighborhood greatly increases the dangers for cyclists and pedestrians sharing the road.
• Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters.Younger pedestrians can be very unpredictable. Be on the lookout for children’s shoes or costumes under vehicles to make sure they are not crossing the street between parked cars in neighborhoods.
• Driver Sober. If you plan on driving, have a plan in place to avoid impairing substances. If your festivities do include impairing substances be sure to arrange a sober ride home in advance.

AAA Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips

• Be visible. Light-colored clothing or costumes provide the best visibility to drivers. If unavailable, try adding reflective material or tape to costumes to increase visibility. Giving your child a glow stick or flashlight to carry also increases their chances of seeing and being seen by drivers.
• Cross the street responsibly. Cross using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways before crossing the street and keep an eye on the road while are you are crossing. Remind your child to not cross the street mid-block or run out between parked cars in neighborhoods.
• Don’t walk distracted or impaired. Save the social media updates for before or after you go trick-or-treating. Avoid checking your phone while walking or supervising children. Walking while impaired can also be just as dangerous a driving impaired.
• Stay on sidewalks.If no sidewalks are available, always walk facing traffic and stay as far to the left of the roadway as possible.
• Remove bulky costumes or winter coats before buckling your child into their car seat.Bulky or oversized clothing can make the car seat harness fit incorrectly, leaving room for movement in the seat which can be very dangerous in the event of a crash.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced it will open three more Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) inTennessee on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. at the Dillon Street Baptist Church in Woodbury; Pulaski Station in Pulaski and the Warren County Administrative Building in McMinnville. The SBA is opening the centers to assist businesses and residents who were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on May 8-9.

The disaster declaration covers Cannon, Giles, Maury, Sumner, and Warren counties in Tennessee.

Customer Service Representatives are available at the Centers to assist business owners and residents complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status. Walk-ins are accepted, but an in-person appointment at an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center can also be scheduled in advance.  The Centers will operate as indicated below:

 Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)  Cannon County

Dillon Street Baptist Church 216 S. Dillon St. Woodbury, TN 37190

Opening:  Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Hours:  Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed:     Sunday

Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) Warren County Warren County Administrative Building 201 Locust St. McMinnville, TN 37110 Opening:  Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed: Sunday

The Cannon and Warren offices will permanently close Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened two Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in Tennessee  at the Maury County Fire Dept., Station 30, in Columbia and the Gallatin Public Utilities Facility in Gallatin.  The SBA is opening the centers to assist businesses and residents who were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on May 8-9.

The disaster declaration covers Cannon, Giles, Maury, Sumner, and Warren counties in Tennessee.

“When disasters strike, our Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “At these centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”

Customer Service Representatives are available at the Centers to assist business owners and residents complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will hold a captivating living history event about the state in a Tennessee Timeline on Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Park visitors can follow stories of Tennesseans from events such as the Civil War, Prohibition, and more in the free, family-friendly program. The park, which sits in the shadow of the Tennessee State Capitol, is known for its 1,400-foot Pathway of History, and the path will come alive Saturday with costumed interpreters who will inform visitors about the state’s past.

The Tennessee Timeline can be part of a full day of activity in the area of the park, with the adjacent Nashville Farmers’ Market, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library and Archives as additional attractions. The Southern Festival of Books will be at the park for the weekend, featuring author discussions and booksellers.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a monument to Tennessee’s Bicentennial Celebration on June 1, 1996. With just a simple walk in the 20-acre park visitors can experience many facets of the state’s history including a 200-foot granite map of the state, a World War II Memorial, a 95-bell carillon, and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains.

The park is north of the Capitol between James Robertson Parkway and Jefferson Street between 6th and 7th avenues in downtown Nashville.

Do you have cattle, sheep, goats, or equine animals?  If so, you could be eligible to receive payment from the DeKalb/Cannon County Farm Service Agency. According to Donny Green, County Executive Director, signup for the Livestock Forage Program is now underway and will continue through January 30, 2025.

The Livestock Forage Assistance Program (LFP) has been approved for DeKalb and Cannon counties due to recent and extreme drought conditions that have affected livestock grazing during the 2024 normal grazing period.  LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses for covered livestock on land with permanent vegetative cover or planted specifically for grazing. 

According to the U. S. Drought Monitor, DeKalb and Cannon counties were designated as D3 (Extreme Drought intensity) counties on September 24, 2024.  This designation qualifies eligible livestock producers in the county for three monthly payments.

Livestock producers operating in DeKalb and Cannon counties are urged to call the Smithville USDA Service Center at 615-597-8225, Ext. 2 to schedule an appointment to complete the Livestock Forage Program application. Signup for the 2024 LFP will end on January 30, 2025.

Tennessee residents are invited to participate in a statewide white oak acorn collection project to aid in white oak restoration across the state. Called the Tennessee White Oak Initiative, it is a cooperative effort between the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF), TDF’s East Tennessee Nursery, the University of Tennessee Extension, and the Tennessee Forestry Association.

“White oaks are a critical element of Tennessee’s forests,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “The roles they play in our ecosystems and economy are invaluable, which is why it is so distressing to see the dropping rates of white oak regrowth in our forests. This initiative is one part of a large-scale effort to address this challenge.”

Each year, TDF’s East Tennessee Nursery in Polk County grows a large crop of white oak seedlings, which are critical to white oak restoration efforts statewide. Unfortunately, over the last few years, seed suppliers have been unable to meet the nursery’s seed volume needs. Now in its fourth year, the white oak acorn collection program is designed to supplement the nursery’s seed supply to boost seedling production. This type of wild seed collection also tends to yield higher quality, larger, and stronger seedlings.

Individuals, civic organizations, forestry groups, landowners, and youth organizations that would like to participate should visit www.tnforestry.com/white-oak-acorn-collection to begin the process. This year’s collection program will open on October 15, 2024, and end on November 15, 2024.

Interested parties may reach out to their local TDF area forester for assistance in identifying the correct tree species and information on how to collect, store, and deliver acorns for inclusion in the program. Find your local TDF area forester at www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/staff.html.

The Division of Forestry protects and promotes the responsible use of forest resources in Tennessee. Focus areas include assisting landowners with a variety of services, providing quality tree seedlings, supporting forest health programs, collecting forest inventory data, assisting forest industries, and fighting wildland fires. Visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests for more information.