News

Tick season is in full swing, and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) wants citizens to be aware of the potential harm to animals.

Specifically, livestock owners and pet owners should be aware of the Asian longhorned tick (ALT) which appears to be spreading across the state. White and Grainger Counties have joined the list of Tennessee counties with ALT detections, bringing the total to ten counties. Four of which—Cocke, Jefferson, Roane, and Union Counties—have established populations.

TDA and researchers with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) collaborate in a tick-surveillance network to curb the threat of ALT and equip farmers and pet owners with strategies to protect their animals.

“Tennessee has a variety of ticks and the Asian longhorned tick in particular can cause extensive damage to livestock,” Dr. R.T. Trout Fryxell, Associate Professor of Medical and Veterinary Entomology for UTIA, said. “We want to raise awareness about ticks so people will take preventative measures for their animals and know what to do if they find their livestock or pet has a bite.”

The ALT appears to adapt to a variety of temperatures and is known to be active in Tennessee from March until the end of November.

The ticks have been found on pets, livestock, wildlife, and people. The CDC reports that there is no evidence that the tick has transmitted any infectious agent to humans in the U.S., but work in Virginia suggests this tick can transmit Theileria orientalis Ikeda to cattle.

“Asian longhorned ticks pose a threat to livestock and other animals,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said. “The ability of this tick to transmit diseases endemic to the U.S. is not completely understood. However, this tick is known to transmit anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, theileriosis, rickettsiosis as well as several viruses in other parts of the world. Severe infestations can lead to significant blood loss and, in some cases, death.”

Experts offer the following tips to prevent tick bites in pets and livestock:

• Coordinate with your veterinarian to apply proper pest prevention on pets and livestock.
• Monitor your animals for any changes in health.
• Check pets and livestock for ticks frequently.

If your animal is bitten by a tick, remove the tick as quickly as possible by pulling from the attachment site of the tick bite with tweezers, place in a ziplock bag, and record the date and location the tick was encountered. Send the sample to your local University of Tennessee Extension office or UTIA for identification.

For additional information about ALT, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/fs-longhorned-tick.pdf. To find more information on tick-borne diseases, visit www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/index.html.

As children head into a new school year, make sure vaccination is at the top of your checklist! During National Immunization Awareness Month this August, the Tennessee Department of Health encourages parents and caregivers to talk with your doctor, nurse or other health care professional to ensure everyone in your family is up to date on recommended vaccines.

“Even children who will attend school remotely need to receive vaccines that are required for school entry, and it’s important for their health and the health of our communities to maintain this vital step in our preventive care,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “August is also a key time for parents to make sure they’re up to date on all the vaccines they need to stay healthy.”

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout your child’s life. CDC also offers an adult vaccine assessment tool to see which vaccines you need. TDH provides information on immunization requirements for child care, school and college attendance at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/immunization-program.html.

“National Immunization Awareness Month provides a valuable opportunity to share how important it is for everyone to be vaccinated and to celebrate Tennessee families taking this critical step in ensuring optimal health for all Tennesseans,” said Tennessee Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program Medical Director Michelle Fiscus, MD, FAAP. “At a time when the world desperately needs a vaccine to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s critically important that we remember to protect ourselves against all of the other vaccine-preventable diseases.”

During National Immunization Awareness Month, the Tennessee Department of Health will be sharing information and resources on social media to highlight the importance of vaccines. Help us spread the word! Follow the conversation on Facebook and Twitter @TNDeptofHealth, and use #ivax2protect to share why you choose to vaccinate.

National Immunization Awareness Month highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. You have the power to protect yourself and your family against serious diseases like flu, whooping cough, cancers caused by HPV and pneumonia through on-time vaccination. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/index.html.

The path of projects involving the County Commission and the Board of Education is proving to be a slow walk. 

The commission has capped funding for schools. In order to maintain a system of seven schools, six elementary schools and one high school, will be a losing battle for the board of education.  Members of the commission have asserted that consolidation of the elementary schools could prove to be a salutation.  In order to generate ample funding for the schools to operate, an increase to the local portion of the sales tax would be needed.  The other would be to use the mechanism to generate the money for school repair and construction, the wheel tax on vehicles registered in the county.

The Board of Education voted to ask the commission to add both issues to the November ballot for consideration by the citizens of Cannon County. The issue was on the agenda in July and the commission sent the question back to the board of education for clarification. The questions returned to the agenda of the commission for August meeting.  The commission approved adding the sales tax increase to the ballot.  The wheel tax question was delayed.  Commissioner Russell Reed asked for an amount for the construction. The Cannon County Board of Education will meet this week and the agenda has been modified to bring answer back to the commission.

The Commission recessed their monthly meeting until August 17^th and plan to take up the question again.  The commission has a limited number of days before the window closes on adding items to the November ballot.  

The Tennessee Department of Education and Trevecca University announced a new resource, Bridging the Distance: Family Remote Learning, which is specially designed to help families navigate remote learning and better understand the common tools and programs used by educators. 

This completely free resource features “Remote Learning 101” modules that will help families learn the same tools our educators use for remote instruction. These short, accessible videos from experts will help families understand common remote learning tools and equips them to speak the same “tech” language as the teacher, so they will be better able to support their child’s learning.  

Families can access these resources at: https://remotefamilylearning.com/  

“As a parent with young children, I know how challenging it is to balance work and help our kids keep learning at home,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “This resource is specifically tailored to help families navigate the new world of remote learning and support their child’s education. Trevecca has already provided training on remote learning to thousands of educators across the state, and now our families can find resources on the same tools their child’s teachers will be using.” 

This resource is important for families and educators as all districts are reopening with a virtual or hybrid option. As of the end of July, about half of districts are opening traditionally (in-person) with a family choice option to choose a virtual model. Of those districts, most are seeing on average, about 20% of students that are opting in for the virtual option. No districts are opening fully in-person without at least some virtual option and ten districts are opening with a completely virtual option. 

Bridging the Distance covers four essential types of tools families and students encounter during remote learning—learning management systems, communications platforms, video platforms and group discussion platforms. The site also provides “Best Practices” videos from experts, teachers and other parents on a variety of common remote learning topics, including keeping a schedule, creating learning spaces, virtual field trips, project-based learning and more.  

Families are also able to directly contact the remote learning experts at Trevecca and receive help on their specific questions. 

“My wife and I are grandparents of eight grandchildren in Tennessee and we’ve watched the challenge they’ve experienced with their parents of experiencing remote learning for the first time,” said Dr. Dan Boone, Trevecca University President. “For students like my grandchildren and for parents like my kids, Trevecca decided to provide a free tool to help parents know how to do remote learning with their child. We’ve taken our expertise in online learning and partnered with the Tennessee Department of Education to offer this tool. We hope this resource will help parents and ease the added stress of remote learning.” 

“Parents are facing new uncertainties this school year, but they don’t have to go it alone. This resource will support both families and teachers as we all adapt to remote learning together,” said Dr. Avery Finch, parent and school administrator. “I am grateful to be a part of this project and encourage parents to be patient with your children and yourselves.” 

The Bridging the Distance tool builds upon the department’s partnership with Trevecca to provide free training to Tennessee teachers on remote and digital learning tools. Over 19,000 teachers have enrolled in the training thus far.  For access to these resources and more, visit the Tennessee Department of Education’s Reopening  webpage: https://www.tn.gov/education/health-and-safety/update-on-coronavirus/reopening-guidance.html

Primary day in Cannon County and the results held few surprises for a ballot that contained many uncontested races.

The United States Senate race that will determine the successor to the seat currently held by Lamar Alexander.  On the Republican side of the ballot, Dr. Manny Sethi won Cannon County over Bill Haggerty by a vote of 817 to 772.  Haggerty however won the state with 51 percent of the vote.

On the Democratic side of the Senate race, James Mackler won in Cannon County, however Marquita Bradshaw will be on the ticket in November.

In the race for District 6 of the United State House of Representatives, the incumbent, John Rose was unopposed on the Republican side for a second term.  Rose will face the Democratic Christopher Martin Finley.

On the state office level, House of Representative Clark Boyd was un-opposed and was given 1,430 votes.  No candidate qualified on the Democratic side.  Boyd will have a second term.

Circuit Court Judge Division IV District 16, the incumbent Jo Atwood won in Cannon County by a vote of 1,139 to 720 over John G. Mitchell, III.

In the race for Assessor of Property, incumbent Angela M. Schwartz was un-opposed.  The lack of an opponent was un-noticed by voters in the county as Schwartz earned more votes than any other candidate on the ballot, 1,652.

In the Road Commissioner race, all incumbents were un-opposed, Terry Horn (Zone 1) was re-elected with 1,629 votes, Doyle Duke (Zone 2) 1,590 votes and Jimmy H. Williams (Zone 3) with 1,528 votes.

Three seats on the County Board of Education were on the ballot this year.  The candidates were un-opposed, new to the board will be Wade McMackins in District 1 (409 votes), Derrick R. Mullins in District 4 (253 votes) Current Board Chairman Javin Fann District 4 representative will return for an additional term (317 votes).

The only vacant seat on the ballot not determined by the primary is one of the District 5 seats on the County Commission.   Lacey Buchanan who was on the ballot had informed the Commission that she could not serve on the commission due to conflict of interest.  That determination was mde  was made after she had qualified for the race and was unable to have her name removed.  Once Buchanan resigned again, the commission will be able to appoint a replacement.

1,281 persons visited the polls on primary day.  746 person voted early and 90 voted absentee bringing the vote in the county to 2,117.

Tennessee’s Financial Stimulus Accountability Group is making information available about federal stimulus money distributed in Tennessee. An interactive site allows citizens to explore county-specific information about stimulus funds sent to Tennessee. The site tracks the allocation of $13.18 billion of federal COVID-19 emergency stimulus and relief funding statewide as of the current date and will continue to incorporate additional allocations as information becomes available.

As of yesterday, Cannon County has been the recipient of $44,858,838.00.  From that amount, $19,934,832.00 in paycheck protection program loans under $150,000.00, $16,900,000.00 in paycheck protection loans in the amount greater than $150,000.00.

For unemployed citizens, unemployment compensation came to $7,295,704.00.  Elementary and secondary school emergency relief funds for Cannon County Schools totaled $371,004.00. Cannon County Ambulance Service relief funding was $15,963.00. Food and care funding for children and adults to Cannon County SAVE totaled $8,537.00.

Several health care providers received funding including Saint Thomas Stones River Hospital with $186,184.00.  Full and limited service restaurants, beauty salons and barber shops were among the businesses getting support.

ADVISORY: WEBSITE TRACKS TN STIMULUS FUNDING   

Governor Bill Lee has called for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene on Monday, August 10, 2020 for a special session to address COVID-19 liability protections, telehealth services and laws governing the Capitol grounds.

“As COVID-19 continues to present unique challenges, we feel it is in the best interest of the state to convene a special session to address liability protections and telehealth,” said Gov. Lee. “I thank Lt. Gov. McNally and Speaker Sexton for their continued partnership as we work towards an efficient, productive assembly.”

The special session will address extending COVID-19 liability protections in order to provide legal clarity and certainty for health care providers, businesses, schools, non-profits and others.

“With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to present challenges for our people and our economy, it is now more important than ever that Tennessee businesses, hospitals, churches and schools have COVID-19 liability protection,” said Lt. Gov. McNally. “The last thing small business owners, pastors, doctors and school superintendents need to worry about are frivolous lawsuits which would further impede their ability to do their jobs in this difficult time. I am grateful Gov. Lee called this session to address COVID-19 liability and other issues critical to our state. I am committed to working deliberately and efficiently with Gov. Lee, Speaker Sexton and all members of the House and Senate to pass legislation on these issues and get our members back home quickly and safely.”

Lawmakers will address the expansion of telehealth services to Tennesseans and encourage insurers to cover clinically appropriate, medically necessary services provided via telehealth.

“I agree with Gov. Lee’s decision to call a special session,” said House Speaker Cameron Sexton. “We are looking forward to coming back and finishing the people’s business to increase access to tele-health services, and to protect businesses, churches, academic and health facilities from baseless lawsuits during the ongoing pandemic. I am very appreciative of the call to strengthen existing laws against those who deface property, who escalate peaceful protests into acts of aggression and those who seek violence towards law enforcement and judicial members. The House is committed to working with Gov. Lee and his administration, as well as Lt. Gov. McNally and the Senate to safely, efficiently, and effectively address these timely issues for the benefit of Tennessee and Tennesseans.”

Lawmakers will also address laws governing Capitol grounds and surrounding areas that have recently been subject to vandalism, defacement and unlawful overnight camping.

The full special session call may be viewed here.

Farmers markets throughout Tennessee have worked diligently to connect producers of fresh, local foods to consumers safely. From visiting a new market to lighting up the night in Nashville, there are many ways to celebrate farmers markets during National Farmers Market Week August 2nd – 8th.

“Tennessee’s farmers markets have not wavered in providing fresh, local foods throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “They’ve adapted to changes quickly, offering drive-through service, spreading vendors out and making other adjustments to serve their customers. Their efforts to manage the challenges make this National Farmers Market Week a bit more meaningful.”

With 161 farmers markets listed on the Pick Tennessee Products website and mobile app, it is easy to find a market near you with diverse foods and products.

Cannon County’s Farmers Market is open every Saturday morning during the growing season. The market is located at the pavilion by the Arts Center of Cannon County on John Bragg Highway.

Hot weather crops like melons are abundant through August, while most summer produce, like tomatoes, sweet corn, beans, and squash hit peak throughout the month. Farm-direct meats and dairy products round out many farmers markets’ menus.

Pick Tennessee Products has marked National Farmers Market Week by lighting the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Cumberland River in Nashville. The night of Aug. 2, the bridge was lit green to recognize Pick Tennessee Products and the impact of farmers markets in Tennessee. The Pick Tennessee Products Farmers Market Memories Photo Challenge winners will also be unveiled during National Farmers Market Week on the Pick Tennessee Products social media accounts.

The Tennessee’s farmers markets directory can be accessed at www.PickTNProducts.org and via the Pick Tennessee mobile app. Follow @PickTNProducts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for seasonal updates and information about farm related events, activities, and products.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee today signed Executive Order No. 55, allowing the resumption of contact sports and extending local authority to require masks, among other provisions.

“Athletics is an important part of our way of life and provides many benefits for our student-athletes, but common-sense precautions must be taken to combat COVID-19,” said Gov. Lee. “We have worked directly with the TSSAA to coordinate a framework so that football season and soccer seasons can begin while keeping student-athletes, staff, and fans safe.

“This order will also continue to give local governments the authority to determine mask requirements for their respective constituencies. Adopting mask requirements at the local level has helped achieve greater community buy-in as Tennesseans adopt a new habit to protect lives and livelihoods.”

Executive Order No. 55:

• Extends through August 29 Executive Order No. 54, which provides local government authority concerning face coverings
• Strongly encourages schools to adopt a policy requiring face coverings for staff and students of appropriate age and makes clear that students, teachers, school employees or contractors, and school visitors may voluntarily wear face coverings, except as necessary to ensure school safety and security
• Extends for 30 days (as permitted by statute) Executive Order No. 53 providing limited COVID-19-related liability protection for health care providers and hospitals
• Aligns the treatment of contact and non-contact sports so that no sports are prohibited by the state, provided that participants follow safety guidelines from their governing bodies or Tennessee Pledge guidelines, as applicable
• Reinstates or adds certain regulatory flexibility to cope with COVID-19, including:
• Incorporates recently issued federal waivers regarding commercial driver licenses;
• Waives Alcoholic Beverage Commission fees for outdoor expansion of restaurant premises due to COVID-19;
• Directs TennCare and the Department of Health to establish and reimburse certain COVID-specific skilled nursing facilities; and
• Allows licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselors to practice telemedicine to the same extent as other licensed health care providers during this emergency.

Over 2,500 educators recently participated in the Tennessee Department of Education’s 2020 Institute for Career and Technical Education. The Institute was free, virtual, and had a record number of attendees including over a dozen educators from Cannon County. 

During the week of July 20-24, this first-ever virtual Institute for CTE Educators included more than 100 pre-recorded and live interactive sessions from presenters nationwide. The over 2,500 attendees included CTE educators, administrators, counselors, as well as teachers with an interest in career and technical education from across the state. 

“I am thrilled that over 2,500 educators from across the state participated in the fully virtual 2020 Institute for CTE Educators,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “This overwhelming response—even in the midst of a pandemic— highlights Tennessee’s commitment to ensuring our students are workforce ready and prepared for postsecondary success, regardless of what path they choose. We are grateful for every presenter, educator and industry partner who pushed forward to make this event a success.” 
 
The virtual conference allowed for more flexibility in session offerings and greater accessibility for participants, with over 3,000 views of the general session from across the state.  

The pre-recorded, live, and interactive sessions included content presentations on programs of study, virtual tours to highlight various industries, and networking to provide informal discussion around a specific topic, standard, best practice, or project. Throughout the week, sessions were well attended, some with over 500 attendees, which include: 

·  Work-Based Learning: A Roadmap to Your Semester Using Online Techniques 

·  The New Normal – Digital Learning Experience 

·  Google Classroom for Beginners 

·  Projects, Competitions, Classroom…CTSOs: How? When? Why? 

·  Resilience Can Be Taught: 10 Strategies Proven to Motivate Any Student 

The virtual conference website and on-demand sessions will remain available through July 20, 2021. The recorded sessions are also available for professional development and TASL credit through August 9.

Attendees provided positive feedback and comments about the 100+ sessions throughout the week, including: 

“This session has been one of my favorites. I believe it could be very useful for the whole school environment.” 

“Thank you for your time! I love the idea of stations. I will definitely be incorporating this into my classroom.” 

“THIS “RESILIENCE” session is one of the BEST ones I’ve “Attended” in 30+ years!!” 

Cannon County Schools Director – Mr. William F. Curtis stated, “I am extremely proud that our local Cannon County High School CTE (Career and Technical Education) Educators got to participate in some outstanding training opportunities provided by the Tennessee Department of Education during this Summer Break.  This first ever all virtual institute was attended by nearly all of our CTE Staff including: Bill Bowman – Ag Shop Teacher; Linda Cook – Health Sciences Teacher; Tina Glandon – Agriculture Teacher; Maxine Dawson – STEM / Physics Teacher; Connie Lorance – Human Services Teacher; Emily Haley – Agriculture Educator/FFA Advisor; Shawna Ervin – Marketing/Business Teacher; Christy Thomas – Health Sciences Teacher; Cliff Walker – Business Teacher; Scott Pack – Mathematics/STEM Teacher; Jackie Hamilton – Gifted Teacher; Kay Barker – CCHS Assistant Principal; and Crystal Kennedy – CTE Director for Cannon County Schools.  These outstanding Cannon County High School Educators took valuable time out of their Summer Break to attend these sessions virtually to improve their craft of instruction and to make a difference for their students.  These educators exemplify OUR MISSION – ‘Preparing ALL Students for their Future’ through OUR VISION – ‘New E3 – Engaged in Excellence Every Day!’  Our students will be receiving high quality instruction because of the extra effort of these fine educators when we begin On-Campus and Distance Learning on August 11^th, 2020.”