News

The Cannon County Senior Center Board of Directors and Cannon County Good Ole Days Committee made the decision to postpone Cannon County Good Ole Days until May 14-15, 2021, following Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order No. 50, which extends the State of Emergency related to COVID-19 pandemic to August 29, 2020. The order urges Tennesseans to limit activity, stay home when possible, and limits social and recreational gatherings of 50 or more persons unless adequate social distancing can be maintained. Cannon County Good Ole Days originally scheduled on May 15-16, 2020, was rescheduled for August 28-29, 2020. The decision to postpone the event until 2021 was difficult, as Cannon County Good Ole Days is the largest fundraiser for the Cannon County Senior Center, and an annual community tradition. However, protecting and safeguarding Cannon County citizens, and particularly vulnerable populations, is considered priority. Planning for the 2021 festival will begin soon!

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Meanwhile, the Cannon County Senior Center Board of Directors will be hosting a live ONLINE auction, a virtual fundraiser, On Monday August 17th, 2020. Please join this exciting event, as it will be a fun and safe way to interact with others while supporting the Cannon County Senior Center.

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For additional information, please contact the Cannon County Senior Center at 615-563-5304 or go to the Cannon County Senior Center Facebook page.

Following reports of suspicious activity, deputies take a man into custody.

Tuesday, deputies with the Cannon County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling the 4000 block of Locke Creek Rd in reference of a suspicious vehicle. While in the area, deputies observed a male that came from the abandoned property to a vehicle parked in the roadway. The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle then attempted to evade law enforcement. Deputies followed the car down Locke Creek onto Murfreesboro Road. The vehicle entered into Rutherford County and back onto Highway 70 towards Woodbury. Deputies followed the car into Woodbury and came to a stop on Water St where the subject was taken into custody. Joseph Tyler Green has a very lengthy history of criminal activities with Cannon, Rutherford, Warren, and other counties. He was transported and booked in at Cannon County Jail on felony charges. Bond is to be set. We would like to thank Woodbury PD in their assistance.

Tennesseans who want to vote in the Tennessee State and Federal Primary and County General Election on August 6 must register to vote by Tuesday, July 7, 2020. “The first step to making your voice heard at the polls is registering to vote,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “With our online voter registration system, it’s never been easier or safer for Tennesseans to register to vote or update their registration.” Registering to vote, updating your address or checking your registration status is fast, easy and secure with the Secretary of State’s online voter registration system, GoVoteTN.com. Any U.S. citizen with a driver’s license or a photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can register online from a computer or mobile device without ever leaving their home at GoVoteTN.com. Voters can also download a paper voter registration application at GoVoteTN.com. Completed paper voter registration applications must be submitted or postmarked to your local county election commission office by July 7, 2020. Election Day registration is not available. The Tennessee State and Federal Primary and County General Election is on Thursday, August 6, 2020. Early voting begins Friday, July 17 and runs Monday through Saturday until Saturday, August 1. Voters can find early voting and Election Day polling locations, view and mark sample ballots and much more on the GoVoteTN app available in the App Store and Google Play. For more information about registering to vote, voter eligibility, photo IDs, and other Election Day details visit GoVoteTN.com or call the Secretary of State’s Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 54 to grant county mayors in 89 counties the authority to issue local mask requirements in the event of a significant rise in COVID-19 cases.

“While our densely populated urban areas continue to have the highest COVID-19 case rates, our local governments expressed a need for greater flexibility in addressing a rise in cases and that includes setting stronger expectations around masks,” said Gov. Lee. “This targeted approach ensures we protect both lives and livelihoods and safely keep our economy open in Tennessee. We encourage every Tennessean across the state to use a face covering or mask, make sure to socially distance and wash hands frequently.”

The six counties with locally run health departments including Sullivan, Knox, Hamilton, Davidson, Madison and Shelby counties retain the existing authority to issue mask requirements as needed.

The full text of the order is listed below:

AN ORDER PROVIDING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WITH AUTHORITY CONCERNING FACE COVERINGS

WHEREAS, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a threat to our citizens, our healthcare systems, and our economy, and each Tennessean should continue to protect themselves and others by following applicable health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading medical experts to slow the spread of this virus, including practicing social distancing, effective personal hygiene practices, and “wear[ing] cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain”; and

WHEREAS, importantly, wearing a cloth face covering is a simple step that each Tennessean can take to slow the spread of the virus, which prevents having to take more drastic and disruptive measures for our economy and job market, like requiring the closure of businesses; and

WHEREAS, whether to require or recommend wearing a face covering may depend on the spread of COVID-19 or lack thereof in a particular community, which varies widely across the State, and local governments are therefore better positioned to make this decision based on the conditions in their communities; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the other powers granted by law, Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 58-2-107, provides, among other things, that during a state of emergency, the Governor is authorized to suspend laws and rules regarding the conduct of state business if necessary to cope with an emergency, utilize all available state and local resources needed to combat an emergency, and take measures concerning the conduct of civilians and the calling of public meetings and gatherings, among other things, as well as delegate such powers as the governor may deem prudent; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to this authority and the general emergency management powers of the Governor under law, the temporary suspension of selected state laws and rules and the other measures contained herein are necessary to facilitate the response to the ongoing effects of the emergency resulting from COVID-19. 

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Lee, Governor of the State of Tennessee, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Tennessee Constitution and other applicable law, do hereby declare a continuing state of emergency and major disaster in order to facilitate the response to COVID-19 and accordingly order the following:

1.       Persons are urged to wear face coverings in public places.  To reiterate Paragraph 5 of Executive Order No. 38 (as extended by Executive Order No. 50), in accordance with CDC guidance, persons, including employees or customers of businesses, are strongly urged to wear cloth face coverings or other similar coverings in public settings where being in close proximity to others is anticipated, and particularly where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain at all times.  Such cloth face coverings can be created from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost.  Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.  Surgical masks and N-95 respirators should be reserved for health care workers and first responders. 

2.       Specific delegation of authority to issue orders concerning face coverings.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Paragraph 13.b. of Executive Order No. 38 (as extended by Executive Order No. 50, and as may be subsequently extended), county mayors in the 89 counties that do not have a locally run county health department shall have the authority to issue orders or measures requiring or recommending the wearing of face coverings within their jurisdictions, consistent with Paragraph 3 of this order.  

3.       Contents of local orders.  Orders or measures issued by county mayors pursuant to this Order should be consistent with CDC guidance and may have such exemptions as deemed advisable, provided that, at a minimum, there shall be no requirement that a face covering be worn:

i.         Within one’s residence or automobile, unless transporting others for hire;

ii.        By a child twelve (12) years of age or younger;

iii.       By someone who has trouble breathing due to an underlying health condition or another bona fide medical or health-related reason for not wearing a face covering;

iv.       By someone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance;

v.        While eating or drinking;

vi.       While outdoors, unless the person cannot substantially maintain appropriate social distancing from others outside of the person’s household;

vii.      While working under conditions where appropriate social distancing from others outside of the person’s household is substantially maintained;

viii.     In situations in which wearing a face covering poses a safety or security risk;

ix.       While in a house of worship unless required by that house of worship, but wearing a face covering in such locations is strongly encouraged; or

x.        While in a voting site for the purpose of voting or administering an election, but wearing a face covering in such locations is strongly encouraged.

4.       Suspension of laws that would limit application of this Order.  Any law, order, rule, or regulation that would otherwise limit the enforceability of this Order is hereby suspended, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 58-2-107. 

5.       Nothing preempts or supersedes any authority of bodies in six counties with a locally run county health department.  Nothing herein or in Paragraphs 5 or 13 of Executive Order No. 38 (as extended by Executive Order No. 50, and as may be subsequently extended) preempts or supersedes any existing authority, as provided by executive order, statute, charter, or otherwise, of a locally run county health department, board of health, official, or local legislative body, located in a county with a locally run county health department, to issue or enact orders, ordinances, rules, or law regarding face coverings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  Executive Order No. 38 (as extended by Executive Order No. 50, and as may be subsequently extended) is hereby amended to the extent necessary to effectuate this Paragraph 5, which amendment shall survive expiration or termination of this Order.

6.       Effect of Order.  A local order promulgated under the authority delegated by this Order constitutes an order, rule, or regulation promulgated pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 58, Chapter 2, Part 1, for purposes of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 58-2-120.

7.       Severability.  If any provision of this Order or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this Order which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to that end the provisions of this Order are declared to be severable.

8.       Term and effective date.  This Order shall be effective upon execution and shall remain in effect until 11:59 p.m., Central Daylight Time, on August 3, 2020. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed my signature and caused the Great Seal of the State of Tennessee to be affixed this 3rd day of July, 2020.

For lovers of Fireworks, you have two nights this weekend to enjoy.

Centertown will have a display Friday and Woodbury Saturday night. The Centertown display will be at the ballfields located just off of Tolbitt Road.

The Woodbury celebration of the Fourth will again be in Dillion Park and will begin at 9pm.  The event is a joint production of the towns of Woodbury and Auburntown. Due to COVID-19, many of the regular events associated with the evening will not be held.

Mayor Andy Duggin has asked citizens to bring their family, pack a picnic, bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy.

With the last two days bring very high numbers of new cases of COVID-19, everyone is cautioned to exercise social-distancing.

Mooretown Volunteer Fire Department will conduct both shows.  Their annual fireworks sale continues at the firehall.  Hours Friday is Noon till 11pm and Saturday from 10am until Midnight.

And this reminder, the use of fireworks is illegal in the town limits of Woodbury.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has now gone into effect, providing new market opportunities for Tennessee farmers.

“With the economic challenges that the agriculture industry has experienced in recent years, farmers throughout our state are happy to have this win,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “We appreciate our partners at the federal level for hearing the voices of Tennesseans and finding ways to provide more opportunities for fair trade for our hard-working producers. We will continue to amplify the needs of our state’s number one industry to support those who provide food, fiber, fuel, and wood products for our communities and for the world.”

Under USMCA, Canada will increase quotas on U.S. dairy products and will treat wheat imports the same as domestic wheat for grading purposes. Mexico has also agreed that all grading standards for ag products will be non-discriminatory, benefitting Tennessee producers. The USMCA agreement is expected to increase U.S. ag exports by $2 billion and result in a $65 billion increase in gross domestic product.

“So much work has been done through the Tri-National Agricultural Accord, a longstanding commitment among the agricultural leaders of Canada, the United States, and Mexico to work together on agricultural trade and development issues,” Commissioner Hatcher said. “These efforts and partnerships continue to pay off.”

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is proud to represent Tennesseans in the agricultural and forest-products industries. Ag business owners who desire growth are encouraged to contact the Business Development Division with any questions, input, or recommendations at 615-837-5160.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s mission is to serve all the citizens of Tennessee by providing options for responsible use of our agricultural and forest resources, developing economic opportunities, safeguarding food and fiber, and ensuring equity in the marketplace.

Cannon County Director of Schools William F. Curtis has named Mrs. Stephanie Alexander as Principal of Short Mountain Elementary School. The position became available upon the retirement of Mr. Robert Pitts, who has served as Principal at Short Mountain Elementary School for the past sixteen years and fifty-three years as an educator.   

Mrs. Stephanie Alexander is a twenty-two year veteran teacher from the Short Mountain Community. She began her teaching career in Cannon County Schools at Short Mountain Elementary in 1998-1999 School Year. Mrs. Stephanie Nokes Alexander received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Middle Tennessee State University in 1998. She spent the next seven years teaching fourth grade at Short Mountain Elementary. She then served as the Title I teacher at Short Mountain and East Side schools for four years. In 2007, she became the assistant principal under Mr. Robert Pitts and earned her Master of Arts in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University in 2008. Upon the retirement of Ms. Joanne Ramko, Mrs. Alexander transitioned to the first grade teaching position for two years prior to becoming the eighth grade homeroom teacher shortly after the retirement of Mrs. Anita Arnold. For seven years, Mrs. Alexander taught 7th/8th grade math and science while continuing her responsibilities as assistant principal. She was also a junior beta sponsor for sixteen years. In 2018, Mrs. Alexander was named as an instructional coach for the district.

Stephanie and her husband, Tommy, reside in the Short Mountain community with their children Rachel and Luke. Tommy is a manager with Yorozu Automotive in Morrison. Rachel is completing her bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at MTSU. Luke will be attending MTSU in the fall to pursue a degree in Agribusiness. Stephanie is the daughter of Gerry and Rita Nokes.

Upon being named, Mrs. Alexander stated, “I am very excited for the opportunity to return home to serve the students and families of the wonderful Short Mountain Community! I look forward to once again working with the faculty and staff who consistently go above and beyond to ensure the academic success and emotional well-being of all students. For 22 years, I have been blessed to be a part of the Cannon County Schools family where I have the privilege to work alongside many wonderful educators who have a heart for children! I appreciate the support, guidance and encouragement that I have received throughout my career and look forward to once again working in my community!”

Director of Cannon County Schools – Mr. William F. Curtis stated the following, “I am excited to announce Mrs. Stephanie Alexander as Principal of Short Mountain Elementary School.  She is a proven veteran educator, well respected among her peers, and has tremendous support in the community. I am extremely appreciative of her willingness to be the leader of the team to achieve our Mission of Cannon County Schools and specifically Short Mountain Elementary School – ‘Preparing ALL Students for their Future’ through our VISION – ‘The New E3 = ‘Engaged in Excellence Every Day!’  Mrs. Alexander has demonstrated excellence in the classroom at multiple schools and as an Instructional Coach – 6th Grade -12th Grade for the entire School District. She is a perfect fit to follow long-time Principal ‘Dean’ Mr. Robert Pitts, as she worked as his Assistant Principal for many years, and will do outstanding work at Short Mountain Elementary School.”

Principal Alexander will be meeting with the Director of Schools William F. Curtis and former SMS Principal Mr. Robert Pitts in the next few days working on a transition plan.  She will then meet with other School District Personnel, and SMS faculty and staff at a date to be determined after July 1st, 2020.

We are certainly very glad to announce this hire and are excited about the future at Short Mountain Elementary School.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee today signed Executive Order No. 53, granting limited COVID-related liability protection to healthcare providers.

“Hospitals, nursing homes, and health care workers are on the front lines of fighting this pandemic, and this EO provides protection from liability with respect to COVID-impacted treatment and resource availability, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct,” said Gov. Lee. “Because the law only allows us to take this action for healthcare providers, any other liability issues will need to be taken up by the General Assembly.”

Cannon County Director of Schools William F. Curtis has named Julie Vincent to be the new Special Education Supervisor for Cannon County Schools.  The position became available upon the resignation of Audrey James, who has served Cannon County Schools for three years, and her resignation will be effective on June 30, 2020.  Mrs. Vincent will begin her duties on July 1st, 2020 and have a few days transition period with Mrs. James.

Vincent graduated from Green Mountain College, Vermont in 1990 with her Bachelor’s degree in the areas of Special Education and General Education. From there she went back to her home state of Maine where she began her teaching career near the Canadian border teaching students with disabilities to grades K-8. After meeting her husband, Darrin Vincent of the very popular and award winning Bluegrass Duo Dailey and Vincent, she moved to Missouri where she continued to teach special education to grades 9-12 for 3 years. She and Darrin then moved to Smithville, Tennessee in 1995 with their young son, Zachary. Upon that move she continued working with students with disabilities at Smithville Elementary School. While working at SES, 2 more children, Victoria and Chandler, were added to the family. Mrs. Vincent continued to teach special education at Smithville Elementary School until Northside Elementary School was built in 2000. At this point, she then transferred to Northside as their special education teacher. After spending several years teaching special education, Mrs. Vincent then began teaching general education in grade 3 and 4. During this period of time, she gained 2 more degrees. The first being her Master’s with the major being in the area of Special Education from Tennessee Tech University and her second degree being an Educational Specialist degree in the area of Instructional Leadership also from Tennessee Tech University. While working at Northside Elementary School, Mrs. Vincent was voted by her peers in 2010 as their Teacher of the Year. She then went on to receive the honor of being named DeKalb County’s Teacher of the Year. In 2011, Mrs. Vincent was hired as the Assistant Principal for Northside Elementary. After one year in that position, she was then hired as the principal for Smithville Elementary School, a position she held for 6 years. During this time period, Smithville Elementary School was voted “Best of the Best” elementary school by the community for multiple years, as well as, Mrs. Vincent being named “Best of the Best” Principal for multiple years. In 2015, she and Darrin added a fourth child, Taylor, to their family. Most recently, Mrs. Vincent has spent the past 2 years teaching special education for Lebanon Special School District at Castle Heights Elementary School. 

Mrs. Vincent stated, “I am very excited to be joining the wonderful team of educators in Cannon County as the new Supervisor of Special Education. I look forward to working with the Special Education department, administrators, and families as we work together to ensure that all of our students receive the very best that Cannon County has to offer. Getting to know the students, I think, is what I am most excited about! I have always had a passion and a love for working with these amazing individuals. Thank you to Mr. Curtis for inviting me to be a part of the Cannon County Schools family, I feel extremely honored and blessed.”

Director of Cannon County Schools – William F. Curtis stated the following, “I am very excited to announce to have Mrs. Julie Vincent and her expertise at the district level in Cannon County Schools.  She is a proven veteran educator, and her expertise as a School Principal plus being an outstanding Special Education Teacher, makes her uniquely qualified for this role in our School System.  She will continue her excellence in her new role as Supervisor of Special Education.  I am very appreciative of her willingness to be part of the team to achieve OUR MISSION in Cannon County Schools to aid us administratively with each student with disabilities in ‘Preparing ALL Students for Their Future’ through OUR VISION – ‘The New E3 – Engaged in Excellence Every Day!’  Her responsibilities will also encompass our Homebound Program, Gifted Program, and also the Section 504 Coordinator for Cannon County Schools.  The Supervisor of Special Education position is one that is extremely important in our schools, because communication and working with students with disabilities, their parents/guardians, Special Education Teachers, Special Education Staff Members, Service Contractors, and individual School Principals is essential.  Mrs. Julie Vincent brings this unique skill set and proven ‘track record’ to aid and assist all our stakeholders.  I look forward for her getting to know all these stakeholders and her being an important part of our Cannon County Schools Family.” 

In accordance to guidelines within the federal government’s CARES Act, Tennessee will discontinue paying Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) the week ending July 25, 2020.   FPUC provided $600 per week in federal assistance, in addition to benefits from other unemployment insurance programs, including Tennessee Unemployment Compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).   The CARES Act requires states to provide FPUC through July 31. Tennessee, like many other states, ends its benefit week on Saturdays. July 25 is the last Saturday of the month. Federal law does not allow the state to pay this particular benefit through Saturday, August 1.   Eligible claimants still unemployed as of July 26 will receive benefits that do not include the additional $600 FPUC payment starting Monday, August 2.   If an eligible claim is in pending status, and the claimant has completed all weekly certifications prior to July 25, they will retroactively receive their benefits, including the FPUC payments, on the date the claim processes.   The additional unemployment programs outlined in the CARES Act; PUA and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, will continue through December 26, 2020, the last Saturday of that month.