News

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is announcing the continuation of a grant program that’s already helped strengthen early childhood education in more than 1,200 licensed childcare providers across the state.

The department launched the first round of the Support and Enhancement Grant program with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in October 2019. This second round will once again offer providers the option of applying for up to $4,000 in grants ($5,000 in distressed counties) to:

·       Increase capacity at their licensed location,

·       Hire consultants and coaches, and

·       Enhance and add equipment including appliances and supplies.

“In communities across our state, we want to promote childcare that’s safe, healthy, and educationally rich,” said Interim TDHS Commissioner Tony Mathews. “This investment will continue our momentum in addressing those needs by helping providers enhance quality and increase access, while also assisting them to improve their business efficiencies.”

Interested childcare providers are encouraged to sign up for a free Childcare Tennessee membership and apply online by September 1, 2021. Providers who received a grant during the initial cycle are eligible to reapply.

The Department’s partnership with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is also providing childcare agencies with other services including free online tools to help with business management and human resources along with access to bulk purchasing of supplies at discounted prices. Some examples of potential savings now available on the Childcare Tennessee website include a 20% discount on childcare supplies, up to 30% off food and food service supplies, and up to 45% off office supplies.

This renewed Support and Enhancement Grant program aligns with other critical investments launched last year to strengthen childcare business operations and sustainability such as the Child Care WAGE$® Program, Business Academies, and Pediatric First Aid and CPR Training/Certification. Childcare programs interested in learning about these business supports should visit the DHS website.

To support parents, TDHS also provides tips for choosing a childcare provider and an interactive database where parents can search for providers in their area. In Cannon County, the department lists four programs, they include; Woodbury Grammar Pre-School, Woodland Elementary Pre-School, Westside Elementary Pre-School and Children’s Playground.

Cannon County Schools will close today at 12:30pm due to changing weather conditions. The basketball games scheduled for the Lionettes and Lions at Red Boiling Springs have been postponed.

This severe weather alert is a service of Shelter Insurance, see Blake Finney and Hannah Haynes across from the courthouse.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee today announced the State’s holiday events, including Christmas at the Capitol and the “Christmas Through the Years” virtual tour of the Tennessee Residence.

The annual Christmas at the Capitol celebration will take place Monday, November 30 at 5:00 p.m. CT. The event will include a handbell choir performance and tree lighting ceremony.

The Christmas tree was donated by Sherry Willhelm and her family from her childhood home in Franklin, Tennessee, in honor of her parents.

The Tennessee Residence holiday virtual tour will be available on the first lady’s website and social media channels in the coming weeks. The tour will showcase festive decor throughout the historic executive residence inspired by decorations and traditions of Christmases past, present, future.

Additionally, the Lees will promote virtual opportunities to serve throughout the holiday season, including virtual food drives and the free Purposity app, where Tennesseans can help meet the needs of students and families across the state.

Cannon County Schools has announced that Monday, November 30^th, 2020 will be a regular to On-Campus Instruction for ALL Cannon County Schools’ students.   ALL Students will report to their respective schools for “live” instruction from their teachers.

Director of Cannon County Schools, William F. Curtis, stated, “Monday, November 30th, 2020 will mark a return to On-Campus Instruction.  Even though Cannon County active cases are averaging around 130, reported cases or contacts in Cannon County Schools are low.  As of today, Tuesday, November 24^th, 2020, Cannon County Schools have REPORTED – 0 student active cases, 2 staff active cases, 21 student active contacts and 12 staff active contacts. 

We are hopeful that these cases/contacts of COVID-19 will remain low in our schools during the coming weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Break.  December 18^th, 2020 is designated as an ‘Abbreviated Day’ and students will be dismissed for Christmas Break at 10:00 AM on that date.  Students will return and Cannon County Schools will be ‘Back in Session’ on Monday, January 4^th, 2021.”

Curtis continued, “This is a very fluid situation and the Cannon County Board of Education’s desire is to return to On-Campus learning, but balances this desire with the safety and health of our students.  So a return to Distance Learning could occur before Christmas Break begins on December 18^th, 2020 depending on the number of cases and contacts in our schools.  We monitor the numbers each day reported to our School Nurse and then consult with Local, Regional, and State Officials with the Tennessee Department of Health.”

“During this Thanksgiving time, I am “THANKful” for each one of our dedicated employees for the essential role that they play to make learning happen in our Cannon County Schools. Each employee and specifically our Teachers, have ALL adapted to this new environment, and I am getting very encouraging reports regarding student participation and learning taking place in our Elementary Schools.  We are however, experiencing challenges with our older students regarding participation and completion of assigned work. Cannon County Schools will continue to press on with these in every way possible to get these students on board and learning to take place.  So, getting our students back to On-Campus Learning is very important that students are receiving the very best instruction and interaction with their teachers in the On-Campus setting.” 

Curtis concluded, “The Thanksgiving Holiday is here!  What a well-deserved time of rest and relaxation that each of our employees have earned this year and hope this will be a time of rejuvenation from constant ‘COVID-19 Fatigue’ during this Thanksgiving Holiday! We sincerely ask each Parent/Guardian to be attentive to slowing the spread of COVID-19, and we will continue Social Distancing and encouraging our students and staff to wear masks. ALL of OUR Cannon County Schools Employees are committed to work for OUR common VISION – ‘Engaged in Excellence EVERY Day and in EVERY Way!’ to fulfill OUR MISSION – ‘To create a Unified Environment That Will Provide Opportunities for ALL Students to Reach Their Full Potential.’ Happy Thanksgiving from Cannon County Schools!  We look forward to seeing our students back on our Campuses on Monday, November 30^th, 2020!”

An investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has resulted in the arrest of a Smithville man, in connection to a series of fires that had been set in DeKalb County.

In September, Agents were requested to join deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department in investigating numerous fires that occurred during the overnight hours of September 7^th through 8^th. As the investigation continued, investigators learned of two abandoned houses that had burned in the same area within two weeks. During the course of the investigation, Agents developed information that identified Joshua Pitman as the individual responsible for starting the fires.

On November 16th, the DeKalb County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Joshua David Pitman with three counts of Arson and three counts of Setting Fire to Personal Property.  Last week, Pitman was arrested and booked into the DeKalb County Jail on a $60,000 bond.

Cannon County High School Boys and Girls Basketball Games will be held on Monday, November 23^rd, 2020 – 6:00 PM under the current guidelines from the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association).  The games feature Cannon County High School vs Central Magnet High School at the Robert A. Harris Gymnasium on the Campus of Cannon County High School, 1 Lion Drive, Woodbury, TN 37190.  

There will be a limited number of tickets for the games on Monday, November 23^rd, 2020 – 6:00 PM.  Tickets are $6.00 and can be picked up after 9:00 AM on Monday, November 23^rd, 2020 at the Cannon County High School front office.  Tickets are sold on a “first come-first served” basis until the limited number of tickets (400) has been reached. 

All fans will be expected to wear a mask or face covering and have their temperature checked prior to entry into the facility. It is preferable for fans to wear their masks or face covering for the duration of the event. Masks are expected to be worn whenever spectators are moving among other spectators, such as walking to the concession stand or restroom.

Spectators will be required to social distance and sit as a family unit in designated seating areas.  Facial coverings are required and temperature checks are also required upon entry. Concession Stand items will be limited to pre-packaged items only, and spectators will maintain social distancing at all times.

TSSAA Guidelines can be found on the TSSAA website at:  https://cms-files.tssaa.org/documents/tssaa/2020/COVID-19-Sports-Regulations-and-Rules-Modifications.pdf  Pages 3 – 4 of the Document.

As the season continues, if the COVID-19 Active Case Count in Cannon County experiences high virus transmission, further limitations on attendance (e.g., family members only, or no spectators) could occur at future games.  This determination will be made by Cannon County Schools Officials in consultation with the local office of the Tennessee Department of Health. 

Cannon County High School at Warren County High School – Tuesday, November 24^th, 2020

Also, the Basketball Games scheduled at Warren County High School, on Tuesday, November 24^th, 2020 – 6:00 PM will have very similar restrictions.  The following is a statement from Warren County High School:  “All tickets will be available through GoFan, at the following ticket link for your parents and fans prior to our game – https://gofan.co/app/events/164898. Tickets will not be available at the door. Our gym capacity is 1800 spectators, and we have been directed to limit capacity to 600 for home basketball games. Our goal is to provide the visiting school with 100 tickets. In addition, we will honor TSSAA and TACA cards at the gate.  All fans will be expected to wear a mask or face covering and have their temperature checked prior to entry into the facility. It is preferable for fans to wear their masks or face covering for the duration of the event. Masks are expected to be worn whenever spectators are moving among other spectators, such as walking to the concession stand or restroom. Our Band Boosters will continue to offer pre-packaged concessions.”

As cool, crisp air draws near, a visit to a local Christmas tree farm is the perfect outdoor adventure to generate holiday spirit and family fun in a safe way.

Many Christmas tree farms sell between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, but some are open as early as Nov. 21. Regardless of when you visit, local producers recommend you call for availability before you go.

If you have never been to a Christmas tree farm, the process is easy and fun. Many farms offer pre-cut trees or will even bale and help load your tree for a stress-free ride home. Call ahead to make sure you bring the right tools, including straps to secure your tree.

Christmas Tree farms have adjusted to keep visitors safe this year. From limited building capacity and mobile checkout areas to sanitizing stations and plastic barriers, visitors can still make holiday memories with their family this Christmas season.

“Our greatest concern this season is keeping our customers, workers, and family safe,” owner Dawn Gray of Wildwood Christmas Tree Farm in Woodbury said. “Our online store allows customers to purchase trees and other items in advance. Customers can remain in their vehicles while we deliver their items and tie their tree to the top.”

Even if you aren’t looking for a fresh Christmas tree, many tree farms offer other fun activities for the whole family. Whether you’re hoping to get a picture with Santa Claus, hike the farm trails, or stroll through the gift shop, you will make memories that will last a lifetime.

Visit Pick Tennessee’s website at www.picktnproducts.org or use the free Pick Tennessee mobile app under Fun and Education to find a local Christmas tree farm near you. Follow @PickTNProducts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about local activities, seasonal recipes, and products.

Cannon County Schools has announced that Monday, November 23^rd, 2020 will be a regular Learning Day for ALL Cannon County Schools’ students.  Tuesday, November 24^th, 2020 will be a “Flex Day” for students and faculty – NO live instruction will be given and students will have assignments for that day.

Director of Cannon County Schools, Mr. William F. Curtis, stated, “Monday, November 23rd, 2020 is a Regular Distance Learning Day.  Live instruction will occur as it has this past week.  Student Google Meets will occur as they have been.  Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 will be a designated “Flex Day” as Students are expected to do assignments made and completed, but NO live instruction will occur in the Student Google Meets platform.  Activities will be assigned, but Teachers will have this time to catch-up on assignments and plan for a return to On-Campus Learning on Monday, November 30th, 2020.”

Curtis continued, “Monday, November 30th, 2020 is currently scheduled for Students to return to On-Campus Learning.  Cannon County Schools Officials are in communication with Local, Regional, and State Tennessee Department of Health Officials regarding the current rise in active COVID-19 cases in Cannon County.  We will make a determination regarding any changes to returning to On-Campus Learning on Monday, November 30th, 2020 by the close of business on Tuesday, November 24th, 2020.  If there is a change in status, a media release will be issued and Bright Arrow Notification activated with any changes.  This is a very fluid situation and the Cannon County Board of Education’s desire is to return to On-Campus learning as soon as possible, but balances this desire with the safety and health of our students.”

“During this Thanksgiving time, I am “THANKful” for each one of our dedicated employees for the essential role that they play to make learning happen in our Cannon County Schools. Each employee and specifically our Teachers, have ALL adapted to this new environment, and I am getting very encouraging reports regarding student participation and learning taking place in our Elementary Schools.  We are however, experiencing challenges with our older students regarding participation and completion of assigned work. Cannon County Schools will continue to press on with these in every way possible to get these students on board and learning to take place.” 

“Cannon County Schools ask that parents/guardians of our older students, particularly at Cannon County High School and Elementary School upper grades, to please encourage their child to participate each day, and we strongly encourage parents/guardians to sign up in our student management software program – SKYWARD to have weekly progress reports sent to their email. Instructions can be found on the Cannon County Schools Website at www.ccstn.net. Please contact your child’s school for additional information and assistance if needed.”

Curtis concluded, “The Thanksgiving Holiday is upon us!  What a well-deserved time of rest and relaxation that each of our employees have earned this year and hope this will be a time of rejuvenation from constant ‘COVID-19 Fatigue’ during this Thanksgiving Holiday! Every Cannon County Schools Employee is committed to work for OUR common VISION – ‘Engaged in Excellence EVERY Day and in EVERY Way!’ to fulfill OUR MISSION – ‘To create a Unified Environment That Will Provide Opportunities for ALL Students to Reach Their Full Potential.’ Happy Thanksgiving from Cannon County Schools!”

The 30^th anniversary of the Merchants Open House is today and tomorrow in downtown Woodbury. The event is a local celebration, equal parts “welcoming the holidays and a way merchants say thank you for another year of business.

Many elements will be toned down this year due to the pandemic, however the spirit will continue to shine through.  Special sales and displays will return as they do each year.  New this year will be a live nativity scene of the first Christmas.  The picture into the past will be presented by the members of the Dillon Street Baptist Church.  Hours will be from 6 until 8 pm for the scene, however shoppers will notice some of the animals arriving just a little earlier. Another new element this year will be a Christmas Parade after dark.  The parade will be comprised of area merchants as they celebrate the 30^th anniversary.

Everyone’s favorite, Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive by Police escort at 5 0’clock.  Parents are encouraged to bring a camera for plenty of photos with the young and young at heart.

Everyone is encouraged to maintain social distancing and face masks are also recommended for everyone’s well-being.

Stores will be open into the evening and the merchant’s parade is scheduled to begin thru downtown Saturday night at 5pm.

A joint investigation by Special Agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department has resulted in the arrest of an Algood man, in connection to the drug-related death of a Smithville woman.

In June, Agents joined deputies in investigating the death of Jennifer Leighann Jacobs (DOB 11/29/1974). She was found deceased on May 22nd in her Smithville home of a drug overdose, with fentanyl determined as a contributing factor. The investigation revealed that on May 18^th, the victim had purchased drugs by an individual identified as Patrick Goolsby.

On Monday, the DeKalb County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Patrick Goolsby (DOB 03/17/1979) with one count of Second Degree Murder and one count of Sale and Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. TBI Agents arrested Goolsby yesterday and he was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on a $400,000 bond.