News

Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced over $2 million in Perkins Reserve Grant awards to 38 school districts for the 2021-22 school year to support career and technical education (CTE) across the state. Two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars are allocated for Cannon County Schools.

The Perkins Reserve Grant (PRG) is a competitive grant opportunity made possible through the federal Perkins V legislation passed in 2018. In 2020, the PRG grant opportunity was redesigned under the four-yearStrengthening Career and Technical Education in Tennessee state plan to foster local innovation and support implementation of CTE programs and career pathways, especially in more rural areas, aligned with regionally identified high skill, high wage, and/or in-demand occupations or industries.

At the K-12 level for the 2021-22 school year, 38 Tennessee school districts, 13 of which are in economically at-risk or distressed counties, will receive a total of $2.3 million in Perkins Reserve Grant (PRG) awards. 

“Tennessee is continuing to focus on career and technical education to boost student readiness and postsecondary success, and the Perkins Reserve Grant awards help support this work especially in our rural districts,”said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “These grant awards will ensure districts, schools and partners can continue coming together to help expand CTE opportunities for all students.” 

The 38 school districts across the state are receiving a 2021-22 Perkins Reserve Grant awards. Listed below is Cannon and any surrounding counties: 

School District	Secondary Award	Regional Career Pathways Awards	Program(s) Funded
Cannon County Schools	$50,000.00	$200,000.00	·  College and Career Awareness of High Skill, High Wage, and In-Demand Occupations at the Middle Grades Level   ·  Expansion of STEM Pathway
Coffee County Schools	$41,079.38	–	Career and Job Skills for All
Rutherford County Schools	$50,000.00	–	·  Student Industry Certification Initiative  ·  New Audio/Visual Production CTE Program of Study
Warren County Schools	$50,000.00	–	·  CTE Industry Certification Exam/EPSO Dual Credit Initiative  ·  Virtual Job Shadow   ·  BOXLIGHT Technology
Wilson County Schools	$50,000.00	–	Closing the Gap with CNA

This year’s Perkins Reserve Grant recipients submitted applications for programs, initiatives, and strategies that help to ensure their students succeed in exploring, choosing, and following a career pathway to success, whether by providing equitable access, aligned career pathways, high-quality learning experiences, or a combination thereof.

“Thanks to the Perkins Reserve Grants, Cannon County Schools’ students will have additional resources and additional opportunities specifically in the Middle Grades regarding Career and Technical Education through CTE equipment, which is so very important to prepare them for future postsecondary and career success,”said Mr. William Freddy Curtis, Director of Schools, Cannon County Schools. “This funding will enable and enhance our efforts in College and Career Awareness of high skill, high wage, and in-demand occupations at the Middle Grades Level and the expansion of our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Pathway.   We are so very appreciative to the Tennessee Department of Education for these funds to keep Cannon County and Tennessee to be focused on education, skills, and aiding in the preparation of Cannon County students for career and workforce development.”

Applications were reviewed by a team of TDOE staff from the Division of College, Career and Technical Education and partners from the Tennessee Board of Regents. All applications needed to address at least one of the priority areas of the state plan – ensuring equitable access, aligning career pathways, and/or ensuring high-quality learning experiences, and the Regional Career Pathways application must also include a regionally focused secondary and postsecondary or workforce partnership.

“Cannon County Schools is excited to have been chosen as a recipient for both the Secondary Perkins Reserve and the Regional Career Pathways Grants. This funding will allow Cannon County Schools to increase awareness of Career and Technical Education at the middle grades level by utilizing career exploration programs and enable the county to employ a dedicated middle grades teacher to ensure equity for all students,” commented Mrs. Crystal Kennedy, Cannon County Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director.  Another aspect of this funding is to expand our STEM pathway programs at both the high school and middle grades level by purchasing much needed industry-standard equipment, working with post-secondary institutions to offer industry certifications and course credit, as well as partnering with local and regional industry partners to host internships and Work Based Learning opportunities.

More information on the Perkins Reserve Grant may be found here.

Industrial hemp growers in Tennessee are required to renew their licenses with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) by June 30, 2021.

“Hemp continues to be an important crop in Tennessee,” Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “The marketplace is evolving and growers are finding new ways to use and market their crop. We want to see the industry flourish, and TDA has abundant resources to make sure growers have what they need.”

New applications are accepted year-round and expire June 30. New applicants and renewing applicants must submit an application, license fees, and required documentation. If a renewal application and payment are not received by the deadline, the grower’s license will expire June 30, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. CDT.

TDA plant certification staff are a resource for new and existing hemp growers who want assistance navigating and understanding regulations and requirements. Consultants in the Business Development Division support the hemp industry by helping create or expand businesses and promoting businesses through Pick Tennessee Products.

Pick Tennessee Products is TDA’s program that connects farmers directly to consumers. Hemp producers near you can be found at www.picktnproducts.org or on the Pick TN mobile app. Tennessee hemp growers, processors, and manufacturers can apply to be included in the directory at www.picktnproducts.org/apply-pick-tennessee-products-application.html.

Information about the hemp program in Tennessee can be found online at www.tn.gov/agriculture/farms/hemp-industry.html. Questions should be emailed to industrial.hemp@tn.gov. The hemp grower application can be found at stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/tda_hemp_grower_application. Growers without online access should call 615-837-5137 for a paper application.

Donny Green, DeKalb-Cannon County FSA County Executive Director, announces that the nomination period for the 2021 Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee Election is underway. The nomination period continues through August 2, 2021.

“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 2021 Election, the DeKalb-Cannon FSA County Committee Election will conduct elections in LAA-1 (DeKalb County) and LAA-5 (Cannon County). Below is the description 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) is available at USDA Service Centers and online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections

Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters in LAA’s # 1 and # 5 on November 1, 2021. Completed ballots must be returned, either in person or postmarked, no later December 6, 2021. For more information about FSA county committees, visit the DeKalb/Cannon County USDA Service Center or call 615-597-8225, extension 2.

Road Construction will not delay motorists as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Friday, May 28 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.

“Suspending construction-related lane closures during the Memorial Day weekend will lessen congestion and delays on Tennessee’s major highways,” said Commissioner Clay Bright. “We want to do our part to help everyone have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend and keep traffic flowing as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”

Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions while traveling through long-term construction projects. In addition, drivers should be aware that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums. 

“We’re asking motorists to drive safely this Memorial Day weekend,” Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long said. “Traffic is picking back up and with it speeding and distracted driving crashes. State Troopers will work to enforce traffic laws to reduce crashes and traffic fatalities across the state.”

AAA estimates nearly 37 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day holiday, 60% more than last year, still almost six million fewer than pre-pandemic. Over 776,000 Tennesseans plan to travel, with more than 687,000 driving to their Memorial Day destinations.

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 travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for 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 your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

The Tennessee Department of Education announced the free At-Home Decodable Book Series are now available to Tennessee families of kindergarten, 1^st, and 2^nd grade children to help our youngest learners become stronger readers. This launch is part of the family component of the state’s Reading 360 initiative to help boost strong reading skills amongst Tennessee students.

Designed for Tennessee children in grades K-2, in partnership with Tennessee teachers and state-adopted instructional materials from the State Board of Education approved list, each free pack has 7 decodable booklets which contain 20+ exciting stories full of sounds and words to help practice phonics and develop strong reading skills.

Tennessee families can order one booklet pack for each of their kindergarten, 1^st, and 2^nd grade students using this order form. 

“Reading and strong literacy skills open doors of opportunity for children throughout their education and well after they graduate. Tennessee has deeply invested in literacy to help strengthen and extend the learning that happens in classrooms every day,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn.“From teachers to school and district personnel, state officials to elected leaders, and most importantly, parents and families– everyone can play a role in helping our youngest learners become strong readers. As a parent, I hope all Tennessee families will order the free At-Home Decodable Book series to support their children in learning and reading together.”

A decodable is a book or story carefully sequenced to include letter sounds and words familiar to readers that allow them to practice important phonics and decoding skills at their grade level. 

As part of Reading 360, the At-Home Decodable Book Series was intentionally designed to practice important grade-level sounds and provide adult readers with guidance on how to focus on sounds when reading aloud with their child.

“We are very excited to see these family supports for early reading that is so very crucial to student success, and that families will be able to get free decodables to read with their children at home,” said William Freddy Curtis, Director of Schools, Cannon County Schools. “This is a wonderful resource that will strengthen strong literacy skills for ALL OUR Students Kindergarten – 2^nd Grade here in Cannon County and throughout the state.”

Teachers can also utilize these resources to help families extend learning that takes place in the classroom.

“Cannon County recognizes that our families are a tremendous part of our students’ education. When families and schools work together, it is a win-win for our students,” said Dr. Marcia Melton, Supervisor for Instruction, Cannon County Schools. “Providing families with the right tools to build learning, especially reading, promotes language development, comprehension, understanding the world around us, and family relationships while building fluent readers.!”

For family ordering: Families seeking to order booklet packs for their kindergarten, first or second grade students can do so at this link. Booklets will be delivered to the mailing address provided. In addition to the order form, a step-by-step ordering guide, FAQs and additional information can be found online at www.tn.gov/education/decodables.

For teachers: Kindergarten, 1^st, and 2^nd grade teachers participating this summer in the Reading360 Early Literacy Training program will receive At-Home Decodable Reading Series booklet packs for their K-2nd grade classrooms for free. If you are a teacher who will not complete the training, please contact TN.decodables@tn.gov to learn more about how to help your students access these free resources.

Tennessee families and teachers are encouraged to share fun and exciting reading moments using these and other reading resources on social media. Join in by using the hashtags #TNDecodables, #Reading360 or #ReadTogetherTN.

Reading 360 is a comprehensive statewide literacy initiative to provide optional grants and resources to help more Tennessee students develop strong phonics-based reading skills by supporting districts, teachers, and families. Components of the Reading 360 initiative including the At-Home Decodable Book series are funded with federal COVID-19 relief and stimulus funding. To access additional resources on Reading 360, click here.

By: Sarah Ferrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent III

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Americans produce more than four pounds of trash per person per day, amounting to 20 percent of the world’s waste. Although recycling rates have increased over the past thirty years, out of the four pounds of trash produced in the U.S. each day, 1.5 pounds is either composted or recycled while another 0.5 pounds is incinerated. However, more than 50 percent of waste still ends up buried in landfills. This is an issue because landfills are becoming overran with waste. Although recycling is encouraged, we need to do a better job at educating the public on how to recycle and the proper items to recycle. Households have switched to single-stream recycling where all recyclable materials are mixed in a single bin at home which made it easier to recycle waste. Unfortunately, this makes it easier for paper or plastics to become contaminated by other materials like food and liquids in the recycling stream; therefore, between 5 and 25 percent of a materials recovery facility’s incoming recyclables are discarded and sent to landfills. These are items that are discarded in the landfill just because the general public that took the initiative to first do the good deed and recycle, was unaware of the proper method and did not realize items should be divided further. Like other counties across the state, Cannon County does a good job in picking trash up off the sides of the road but tax payers do not realize the money they could save if they would be responsible enough not to litter to begin with. In Cannon County our goal is to educate the public.

After spending years trying to educate adults, we have realized a good way to reach adults are through their children. The “Do it Yourself” projects have become popular and as educators, we wanted a hands-on learning experience for the youth in Cannon County as well as the parents working with those youth. Materials that were considered garbage for generations are now being recognized for what they still offer after their useful life. Trash can become treasure. With the 4-H “Trash to Treasure” contest, 4-H members in grades 4th-8th had a chance to help our environment while showing creativity at the same time.

At Cannon County Good Ole Days, the 2021 Cannon County 4-H Trash to Treasure Winners were recognized by Representative Clark Boyd as implementing a creative and essential 4-H Contest that will educate the public while impacting youth. The top 4 county winners were presented with prizes and recognized on stage by UT Extension Agent, Sarah Ferrell. The winners were as follows 1st place -Squirrel Cafe by home school 4th grader Brooklynn Conner, 2nd place – Wooden Hello Sunshine Sign by Short Mountain 4th grader Kinley Fisher, 3rd place – Horseshoe Deer Antler by Auburn 7th grader Preston Hamby, and 4th place – Lawn Ornament by Auburn 7th grader Memphis Reed. Participants explained their projects on stage and displayed their creations.

For more information about the Cannon County 4-H program, contact Sarah Ferrell at sferrell@utk.edu or 615-563-2554. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments. Programs are open to all people regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, or disability.

Residents of South Ridge Apartments have a grim choice to make – pay $290 more per month for rent or find another place to live. The residents learned of this in a non-renewal notice regarding their lease agreements. The rate increase amounts to 80% higher cost per apartment, per month.

The notices were delivered this week, and give residents only until June 17 to move if they cannot pay the additional charges. The notice also said anyone who doesn’t pay the new rate by June 5^th will be subject to eviction. The mid-month notice gives residents who cannot pay the higher rates less than two weeks to find new housing…since most rental leases begin at the first of the month.

At least part of the complex was designated as low-income housing,  and has received federal funding over the years. WBRY has learned that the new owner of the complex is HMS Associates Acquisition LLC, Series Tennessee. The company is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. More on this story as it develops.

Today, Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of education announced 59 Tennessee schools and districts have received Governor’s Civics Seal grant funding to help implement high-quality civics education programs to prepare students for college, career and civics life. The list of recipients of the 2021-22 Governor’s Civics Seal Grants can be found here.  Woodland Elementary School in Bradyville, Tennessee and Cannon County Schools were announced as recipients of $5,000.00 for Woodland Elementary School and $10,000.00 for Cannon County Schools.

“We are proud that so many Tennessee schools are prioritizing strong civics education for their students,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “By providing grant funding to support civics instruction for our students, we are preparing the next generation of Tennesseans for life beyond the classroom and to become active leaders in their communities and in our state.”

All 59 grant applicants, which includes 42 schools and 17 districts, were awarded funding totaling $500,000 through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER).

On March 4, 2019, Gov. Lee announced the Governor’s Civics Seal initiative to recognize Tennessee schools and districts that prioritize teaching our nation’s and state’s history and civics values. These grants are the second round of Governor’s Civics Seal Grants, funded by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER), to support schools, school districts and charter school management organizations in earning the Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education designation, which will be shown on the online State Report Card by the Governor’s Civics Seal.

This second round of funding tripled the number of grants awarded in the 2019-20 school year, with grantees now representing 26 counties and 32 school districts or charter management organizations across Tennessee.  

“Thanks to Governor Lee’s vision for preparing our students for life beyond the classroom, we are thrilled to invest in nearly 60 Tennessee districts and schools across the state that are prioritizing civics education,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “These grants will provide access to programs and resources to help our students learn the importance of civics and how to become engaged citizens in our communities.”

In their submissions, grant applicants were encouraged to address two key priorities, high-quality instructional materials and resources as well as teacher preparation and professional development. 

Applications for the 2021-22 Governor’s Civics Seal Grants were open to all Tennessee public schools, districts, and charter schools through a competitive application process and awards ranged from $3,000 to $20,000.

“Cannon County Schools is excited to be awarded funding once again this school year to support civics and citizenship education to help our students become productive citizens and members of the workforce in Tennessee,” said Mr. William Freddy Curtis, Director of Schools, Cannon County Schools. “Thanks to Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Education for making these grants available to continue providing opportunities for advancement and preparation for our students. My sincerest congratulations to Woodland Elementary School on their receiving a $5,000.00 Grant. A special ‘thank you’ to Mr. Brian Parker, Woodland Elementary School Social Studies Teacher for his masterful work on the school and county grant applications. These funds will aid our Cannon County Schools in utilizing high quality Civics education materials and experiences to move forward in achieving OUR VISION – ‘Engaged in Excellence EVERY Day in EVERY Way!’ through OUR MISSION – ‘To Create a Unified Environment That Will Provide Opportunities for All Students to Reach Their Full Potential!’”

Grant awardees will receive ongoing planning and implementation support towards civics initiatives, be provided a tool to conduct a needs assessment to help identify the assets and opportunities within their civics programs and add capacity to school and district strategic plans for civics education. 

To learn more about the Governor’s Civics Seal, click here.

The Tennessee Department of Health has announced it will begin administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 12-15 years. This is following the decision by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the Pfizer vaccine be made available to administer to children ages 12-15 years. The vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19. Prior to this decision, the Pfizer vaccine was only approved for individuals age 16 and above.

The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines continue to be available to individuals age 18 and older. Those seeking vaccination should visit VaccineFinder.Org to find a list of locations and the vaccine brands they provide. This site includes a listing of both local health departments and other approved vaccine providers across the state. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are two-dose vaccines, and it’s important to receive the second dose for maximum protection against COVID-19.

Local health departments started vaccinating children ages 12-15 years Friday. Individuals are able to request appointments online through Vaccinate.tn.gov. When making  an appointment, individuals under the age of 18 should select a Pfizer vaccine appointment time. Health departments also accept walk-ins.

By Carl Hirlston, Woodbury Lions Club

Donor Appreciation Blood Drive is Thursday, May 20^th, 2021 at the Lions Memorial Building located on We Serve Circle,  634 Lehman Street, Woodbury, TN from 12 PM until 6 PM.  Since 1949 the Woodbury Lions Club has hosted American Red Cross Blood Drives in Woodbury and Cannon County. For 20 plus years they have hosted regular blood drives every odd month, with the last drive of their fiscal year in May designated as Donor Appreciation.

Over the years, local businesses have supported this by donating one or more door prizes to the local heroes who come to give their blood so others have a change to live longer.  After a donor has signed in, they draw a ticket, which will relate to a door prize that they have won. This years door prizes are about the same as in the past, oil changes, car detailing, hair cuts or styling, massage sessions, pedicures, meals or food item in local or near by restaurants, gift certificates or gift cards for their businesses or product.  The Lions Club goal is to get 100 donors to give the gift of life and each year they get a little bit closer to that goal.

Business supporting this years Donor Appreciation Blood Drive are:  A & J Diner, Anthony’s, The Arts Center of Cannon County, Auto Zone, B & W Market, Bourbon Bliss, Boyd’s Garage, Cannon County Chiropractic, Cannon Courier, Cannon Market, CapStar Bank, Chilangos Mexican Resturant, D J’s Pizza & Steakhouse, DTC, Dollar General Market, El Monte Fresh Mexican Food, Evolution Salon, Farm Bureau Insurance, Fast Cash, Fast Pace, FirstBank, Five Guys, Hayes Bros Auto Care, Higgins Storage/Car Wash/Flea Market/Movie Drive-In,  J. Bird’s Greenhouse,  Jennings Jewelers, Lasting Impressions, Legendary Cuts Barber Shop, The Lunch Box, MTI Auto Repair, Middle Tennessee Electric, The Millennium, NAPA, O’Reily’s Auto Parts, Paul Reed’s Furniture, Parsley’s Market, Potter’s Ace Hardware, Quick Shop, Reed’s Supply, Roger Hindman Body Shop Inc, Rustic Grounds Café, Saint Thomas Stones River Hospital, Sarah & Ali Boutique, Simply E Boutique, Slick Pig, Smith Funeral Home, Sonic, Sophia’s Off The Square, T-Cakes, Tangles Hair Salon, Trusted Therapeutic Massage, Woodbury Auto Group, Woodbury Drug Store, and Woodbury Farmers Co-Op.  The Woodbury Lions Club expresses to all the donors and local residents to support our local businesses because they support many local activities such as the schools, youth sports, local events, and this blood drive.  The more you support them, the more they can support our community.

At the end of the blood drive, another drawing will take place, the ticket corresponding to the number used when the donor signed in will be called and informed that they won $100 as the Grand Prize Winner.  Summer months are about to start, which means many more people will be traveling, resulting in more accidents and injuries, resulting in the need for more blood.  There is always the need but history tells us the need will increase and your type blood can always be used.  One pint of blood donated can save three peoples lives.  We hope to see you on the 20^th.