News

Authorities have arrested and charged a Shelbyville man in connection to the shooting of a woman on Friday morning.

At the request of 17^th District Attorney General Rob Carter, TBI Agents began investigating Friday morning’s shooting in the 200 block of Temple Ford Road in Shelbyville. During the investigation, agents developed information leading to Samuel Earl Rich (DOB 8-9-1996) as the man responsible for the crime, which injured and subsequently hospitalized a female victim.

After being placed on TBI’s Most Wanted list on Friday, Rich surrendered to a Bedford County detective on Sunday night, after which he was arrested and booked into the Bedford County Jail. At the time of this release, he was being held without bond.

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn announced the Spring 2021 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) state-level results. This is the first set of state-level data related to student academic achievement available since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These results show that COVID-19 has disrupted learning in every school district in Tennessee,” said Gov. Lee. “We’re grateful for the dedication of our educators and districts who worked to mitigate this loss over the past year, and we’re committed to implementing long-term strategies and investments to get our students back on track.”

Tennessee schools demonstrated their collective commitment to knowing where students are performing through a 95% student participation rate on the TCAP. Disruption to education as a result of the pandemic has led to declines in student academic proficiency in Tennessee across all subjects and grades.

“Since last school year, districts, schools, and educators have worked tirelessly to adapt to this new reality, met and exceeded ambitious goals to ensure our students tested, and are ready to start the new school year strong. Now is the time for our state to come together to support our students. We must operate with urgency and conviction that, together, we will do what is necessary to provide all students with an excellent education,” said Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn.

Key data points from the state-level 2021 Spring TCAP results include:

• Tennessee data shows decreases in students scoring Mastered and On Track. 
• Tennessee data shows increases in students scoring Below.
• While this year’s results track with state projections, Tennessee prevented the severe proficiency drops that some states have experienced due to the pandemic.
• Data show the most negative impacts for economically disadvantaged students, urban/suburban students, English learners, and students of color.
• Districts that provided opportunities for in-person instruction in 2020-21 saw less decline in student proficiency.

In January 2021, Gov. Lee and the General Assembly convened a special legislative session on education, which addressed urgent issues facing Tennessee students and schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the special legislative session passed legislation on accountability, learning loss, literacy, and teacher pay. The Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act established summer learning loss bridge camps for elementary students to help them recover learning loss and accelerate their achievement.

Gov. Lee, the General Assembly, and the Department of Education are committed to continuing to make strategic investments to mitigate learning loss and support student academic achievement.

More information on TCAP results can be found here.

Summer brings fresh produce and Tennessee will highlight peak season during National Farmers Market Week Aug. 1-7, 2021.

“Farmers markets offer a variety of fresh, healthy, and delicious products,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Supporting local growers benefits the local economy, the grower and producer, as well as the consumer since produce travels a shorter distance to reach the buyer.”

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Pick Tennessee Products program will mark National Farmers Market Week by lighting the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Cumberland River in Nashville. The night of Aug. 2 the bridge will be lit green to recognize Pick Tennessee Products and the impact of farmers markets in Tennessee.

“Our customers often meet the person who grew or raised the product they’re buying,” Jonesboro Farmers Market Manager Emily Lamb said. “In addition to healthy foods, we started Farm, Fresh, Fit, a program that offers tokens for customers who walk a mile and then use the tokens to buy produce.”

Many Tennessee farmers markets offer live music, flower arrangements, and food trucks in addition to the traditional seasonal produce. Some markets allow SNAP and EBT benefits on certain days. Check with your local market for information on food assistance programs.

“The Milan Farmers’ Market is a place where farmers not only help to feed families, but also grow relationships,” Milan Farmers Market Manager Seth Lee said. “Programs like our Kid’s Power of Produce Club teach children about where their food comes from. From the increase in vendors and patrons, we’ve seen how important the farmers’ market is to our community.”

Pick Tennessee Products is the perfect connection to a farmers market near you. There are currently 156 farmers markets listed on the Pick Tennessee Products website and mobile app. Markets are encouraged to apply for this free listing at www.pickTNproducts.org. Follow @PickTNProducts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for seasonal updates and information about farm-related events, activities, and products.

The Department of Economic and Community Development has announced that 54 counties will receive ThreeStar grants. Cannon County is one of the counties.

In total, TNECD is awarding $2.4 million in funding to Tennessee communities through this round of the ThreeStar grant program.

The funding will be used for a variety of local community development initiatives including education, workforce development, health, tourism, small business, entrepreneurship, and economic development programs, among others that were prioritized through a strategic planning process. ThreeStar promotes economic and community prosperity through collaboration to positively impact every Tennessean.

Cannon County’s grant is for $38,000.00. According to the Department of Economic and Community Development, Cannon County is utilizing ThreeStar grant funding to improve healthy built environment assets by extending the walking track at the Fairgrounds and Recreational Park. This will be Woodbury’s third walking track.

Ninety-four counties have completed the requirements to be certified ThreeStar counties. To be eligible for ThreeStar grants, each county must meet all certification requirements, develop an asset-based strategic plan and design a program to implement a goal from its strategic plan.

Cannon County’s elected representatives in the General Assembly issued messages of congratulations to local officials.

“I want to recognize our local officials for their incredible work securing this important funding to help our communities,” said Sen. Mark Pody.  “These monies will allow our local leaders to continue to keep up with the growing needs of our citizens.  It was an honor to support their successful efforts.  I also appreciate TNECD for their investment in Cannon County.”

Rep Clark Boyd commented, “I congratulate our local leaders for their commitment to the economic growth and prosperity of our community. This investment will benefit everyone by improving the quality of life for our citizens and encouraging future job growth. I appreciate the TNECD for their partnership in ensuring the long-term success of Cannon County.”

Tennessee’s Ag Tag license plate hit the streets 25 years ago and thanks to citizens who support agriculture in this way, 2021 has been a record-breaking year.

For this fiscal year, sales of the specialty license plate raised $487,000 to support Tennessee’s agricultural community with a focus on agricultural development and youth. The Ag Tag became available in 1996 and since then, $7.3 million has been gifted. Contributions include $55,000 each year to FFA, 4-H, and the Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences. Ag in the Classroom receives $65,000 annually.

“The Ag Tag with its recognizable red barn is more than a symbol,” Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “The license plate has a real impact on agricultural programs for young people and for local farmers. When you put the Ag Tag on your vehicle, you are helping sustain agricultural and forestry development and leadership programs. The red barn conveys Tennessee’s rural heritage and the value we place on farming families.”

Programs to connect consumers with farm-direct products through farmers markets and restaurants that source local ingredients have also been launched with Ag Tag proceeds.

The Ag Tag idea was sparked by Tennessee Department of Agriculture staff members. “We wanted to recognize Tennessee’s agriculture heroes and contribute to the ag community,” Assistant Commissioner for Business Development Keith Harrison said. “That discussion resulted in the iconic red barn that inspired the Ag Tag and the Pick Tennessee Products logo,” Harrison said. “It’s rewarding to see after more than two decades that the Ag Tag supplies the next generation of farmers with valuable tools.”

The specialty plate is available via the MyTN app or from your county clerk. A list of MyTN services and download information can be found at www.tn.gov/mytn.html. For just $35 added to your county tag purchase or renewal, you can support farms and programs that strengthen Tennessee’s rural economies. Your county clerk can exchange your current license plate for Tennessee’s Ag Tag. Time remaining on any current registration will be credited to the new tag.

Funds collected from Ag Tag sales are administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture through the Tennessee Agricultural Development Fund to directly benefit agricultural youth organizations, agricultural and forestry awareness, education and marketing efforts, and support for farmers markets.

Get ready to save on back to school and other items this weekend, during Tennessee’s tax-free holiday weekend. The details of the this sales tax holiday and two others are as follows:

Clothing, School Supplies, and Computers: Friday, July 30 – Sunday, August 1, 2021: During this weekend holiday, clothing priced under $100, school supplies priced under $100, and computers priced under $1500 are exempt from sales tax. Online purchases are included. Read more about the traditional sales tax holiday at this link: https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday/sth-traditional.html

There are three sales tax holidays in 2021. The Tennessee General Assembly approved two new one-time holidays for this year, in addition to the traditional sales tax holiday that takes place annually. During these holiday periods, Tennesseans can save nearly 10 percent on qualifying items.

Food, Food Ingredients, and Prepared Food: Friday, July 30 – Thursday, August 5, 2021: During this week-long holiday, food, food ingredients, and prepared food are exempt from sales tax. This includes qualified sales of food and prepared food at grocery stores, restaurants, and food trucks. Takeout food is included in the holiday; however, alcoholic beverages are not included. Read more about the food, food ingredients, and prepared food holiday at this link: https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday/sth-food.html

Gun Safes and Safety Equipment, July 1, 2021- June 30, 2022: During this holiday, which lasts an entire fiscal year, gun safes and specified gun safety devices sold at retail are exempt from sales tax. Read more about the gun safe and safety device holiday at this link: https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday/sth-gun-safety.html

Learn more information about the three sales tax holidays by visiting www.tntaxholiday.com. You can also email revenue.support@tn.gov or call 615-253-0600 with any questions.

Tennessee’s state veterinarian confirms four horses in Tennessee have now tested positive for Potomac Horse Fever (PHF). Cases in Hawkins, Robertson, and Sullivan counties are in addition to the Wilson County case announced earlier this month where a horse was diagnosed with PHF and had to be euthanized.

State veterinarians say the disease can be prevented with regular vaccinations and providing clean drinking water. They say one way to do this is change from natural drinking water sources to frequently-cleaned water buckets.

Vaccination for PHF should be administered before mid-to-late summer when the risk of illness is increased. The vaccine provides protection and minimizes the severity of disease if a horse is infected but does not always prevent a horse from getting PHF. Horse owners should work with their veterinarian to determine an appropriate vaccination schedule.

PHF is caused by a bacteria thought to be carried by aquatic snail larvae and other intermediate hosts including flies. Horses that live near bodies of water or low-lying areas that could collect stagnant water are at risk. In addition to clean drinking water, horse owners can reduce risk of exposure by turning off insect-attracting stable lights at night.

PHF is not a threat to human health and it is not contagious between horses. Horse owners should watch for signs that can include anorexia, diarrhea, colic, fever, and laminitis. Signs of the disease can appear in 2 to 18 days after ingestion and can be fatal if left untreated.

Students in kindergarten, elementary school and high school in Cannon County will receive school supplies and other items this Sunday afternoon during the back-to-school We Care Cannon event. The event will be at Woodbury Grammar School. Special education students can enter the school at 1:30 Sunday afternoon. All other students can come at 2:00. Tour guides will be available again to escort attendees through the event to get their items.

Volunteers for the event should be at least 18 and not a current student, and should wear a black top and khaki shorts, skirt, pants or capris. Volunteers will park at First Baptist Church on Main Street, and will take shuttle buses to the grammar school. Snacks will be available for volunteers throughout the afternoon, and shuttle buses will return volunteers to their cars at the church after the event is over.

This marks the 11th year for the back to school event.

If you are looking for a way to cool off on a hot summer day then this is your chance!

Cannon County Volunteer Fire Departments will be hosting the first WATER SPLASH DAY on Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Cannon County Fairgrounds.

This event is free and open to everyone in the county and to all ages!

If you are looking for something for the kids to do well look no further because this will be a great way for them to have some fun.

The Volunteer Fire Department trucks will be spraying water for the children to play in and run through and a big slip and slide for the kids and adults to slide on.

Gassaway Fire Department will have a food truck available for anyone who would like to purchase hamburgers or hotdogs and something to drink.

“We live in a noisy world.  Too often we cannot hear or do not listen to the quietest voices – the voices of vulnerable children in our community who have been victims child abuse and child sexual abuse,” said Child Advocacy Center director Sharon De Boer.  “July 14 is the #PowerToTheKids Day of Advocacy.   Child abuse victims need us as to amplify their voices—to advocate for their voices to resonate from forensic interview rooms, to court rooms, to the United States Congress.”

What is the Victims of Crime Act?

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) was created in 1984 by the Reagan Administration to provide critically needed services to crime victims.  VOCA funds programs that serve crime victims across Tennessee and the nation, including child advocacy centers, domestic violence programs, rape crisis centers, and the District Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Programs.

What is the Child Advocacy Center?

The Child Advocacy Center is a 501c3 non-profit agency that works as a team with the Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office to respond to child abuse cases, protect children, investigate the crime, aggressively prosecute offenders, and help children and families heal from the trauma of the abuse.

Why does the Child Advocacy Center Need VOCA Funding?

The work that Child Advocacy Centers do is very specialized.  In Rutherford and Cannon Counties, there are only 6 employees paid for with VOCA funding that provide legally defensible forensic interviews of child victims, crisis intervention counseling, help children heal from the trauma of the abuse, and help families rebuild their shattered lives.  VOCA funding has been used to assist 11% of the population of both counties. The Child Advocacy Center has received funding from the VOCA grant for 21 years.  When the CAC opened in 2000, VOCA funded 100% of the program budget and it currently funds 40% of the budget. The CAC would not exist without VOCA funding.  That is why it is so critical that this funding does not shrink or go away.

National Children’s Alliance Request

The National Children’s Alliance and local Child Advocacy Centers are asking everyone to help ensure Congress meets the needs of our kids. Anyone who can spare a few minutes of their time on July 14 can help. Choose from any of the three easy steps—or do all three!

1. Call or email U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and ask them to co-sponsor Senate Bill 611, the VOCA Fix and request that they ask Senate leaders to bring bill to the floor for a vote. The VOCA fund is currently losing funding and this bill will correct the problem. Senate Bill 611 is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senator Blackburn serves on the committee. Blackburn is critical to the passing of the bill.
2. Invite your network—everyone you know—to participate in #PowerToTheKids Day of Advocacy. If you know someone who has a built-in audience, ask them to share our call to action, too. Let’s impress the Senate with the size of the community speaking up for kids and remind them: Kids need our help now!
3. Post on Social Media!  Post on Facebook or Instagram and ask family and friends to contact Blackburn and Hagerty about Senate Bill 611, the VOCA Fix. 

“We are stronger together,” concluded De Boer.  For more information contact the Child Advocacy Center at (615) 867-9000 or visit the National Children’s Alliance website at https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/powertothekids/

Senator Marsha Blackburn

Email:  https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/email-me

Washington, DC:  (202) 224-3344

Nashville:  (629) 800-6600

Senator Bill Hagerty

Email:  https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/

Washington:  (202) 224-4944

Nashville:  (615) 736-5129