William Keith Bowman, Sr.

William Keith Bowman, Sr., 94, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at his home in Woodbury. 

He is survived by 4 Children, Alice Whittle, Pam (Michael) O’Hara, Bill Bowman & Charles (Cynthia) Bowman all of Woodbury; Grandchildren, Crystal (Jon) Boyce, Tiffany O’Hara, Jimmy Whittle, Cliff (Ashley) Bowman, Brooke (Jesse) Slaughter, Christopher Bowman & Sara Bowman; Siblings, Edward Bowman Peggy Jo Hollis, Louise Hillis, Shirley Borren & Richard Bowman. Also surviving are 5 great grandchildren.

Mr. Bowman was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyd & Minnie Smith Bowman; his wife, Mary Anita Powell Bowman; sisters, Ruth Borren & Doris Hibdon; granddaughter, Angel Whittle and son-in-law, George Whittle.

He was a member of the church of Christ and a farmer.  Keith was a Cannon County Commissioner and a school board member also a Farm Bureau Director. He enjoyed his horses and hunting quail with his dogs.

Funeral services will be 11 am Saturday, October 2, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Al Bugg, Jr. and Bro. Richard Bowman officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pleasant View cemetery.  Pallbearers includes Matt Sears, Jon Bryce, Jesse Slaughter, Cliff & Christopher Bowman and Luke Turney.
Visitation with the family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Friday, October 1, 2021.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net  

Tennesseans Encouraged to Register to Vote on National Voter Registration Day

To celebrate National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sept. 28, Secretary of State Tre Hargett encourages Tennesseans to register to vote, check their voter registration status and show friends, coworkers and neighbors how to register online in minutes.

“It’s never been easier to register to vote in Tennessee and our office is excited to lead the effort to help all eligible voters in our great state get registered,” said Secretary Hargett. “We are doing this with college voter registration tailgates and by working with businesses, non-profits and civic organizations across the state through our Your Vote Matters program.”

This month, the Secretary of State’s office is working with student volunteers, university and athletic department staff, student government associations, campus organizations and local county election commissions at Tennessee’s nine Division I Public Universities conducting voter registration drives on campus.

Through the Your Vote Matters program, the Secretary of State’s office is providing participating businesses, non-profits and civic organizations across the state with tools they can use to promote voter registration and civic engagement to their employees, customers and community. As part of the Your Vote Matters program, Secretary Hargett is also speaking with corporate and community organizations in person and virtually about increasing civic engagement.

“The first step to making your voice heard on Election Day is registering to vote. If you are not registered, don’t wait. Now is the time to get ready to cast your ballot by registering to vote,” said Secretary Hargett. “If you’re already registered, you can participate by helping us spread the word about National Voter Registration Day and encouraging everyone in your spheres of influence to get registered.”

It has never been easier to register to vote in Tennessee. Registering to vote, updating or checking your registration status is fast, easy and secure with the Secretary of State’s online voter registration system, GoVoteTN.gov.

Using a computer, phone or tablet, 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 in minutes at GoVoteTN.gov. Each submission is checked against the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s database. A paper voter registration application is also available to download at GoVoteTN.gov.

National Voter Registration Day and National Voter Registration Month are nonpartisan, nationwide efforts to encourage all eligible voters to register and participate in the electoral process.

For more information about registering to vote in Tennessee, go to GoVoteTN.gov or call the Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

Janice Borren Bailey

Janice Borren Bailey, 65, of Smyrna and a native of Cannon Co., passed away Friday, August 27, 2021 at Tristar Stonecrest Medical Center.

She is survived by her son, Matt (Cindy) Duggin of Smithville; sister, Judy (Randall) Holt of Woodbury and her significant other, Patrick “Shorty” Regg of Smyrna.  Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 4 nephews and 2 nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward & Jewell Parker Borren; her son, Jason Duggin and her brother, Larry Borren.
A member of the Baptist church, Janice was retired from O’Reilly’s where she delivered parts and she had previously worked for Better Built.  She was the “QVC Queen” and loved to fish and garden.  She especially loved her beloved dog, Lilly Grace.
Funeral services will be 2 pm Tuesday, August 31, 2021 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Burial will follow in Cherry cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be Monday, August 30, 2021 from 3 pm – 8 pm.  
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Gladys Edna Davis

Gladys Edna Davis, 92, of Woodbury passed away peacefully at her home on Wed., March 17, 2021.  She was a native of Cannon Co. and lived in Woodbury.

She is survived by her children, Roger (Sharon) Hindman, Patsy Hindman and Sharon Kay Dozier all of Woodbury; daughter-in-law, Flo Hindman of Woodbury; grandchildren, Conswayla (Thomas) Mason, Chris (April) Harris, Shannon (Russell) Davenport, Jerime (Beth) Dozier, Rebekah (Hugh) Parton, Kayla Hindman and Casey Hindman; great grandchildren, Nick, Mia, Jackson, Landon, Braden, Bradi, Gus, Bode, Bella and Havik and great great grandchild, Emerson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Mary Moore Phillips; her son, Jack Edward Hindman and daughter, Shirley Darlene Hindman.

A member of the Plainview Baptist church, Gladys lived an amazing life.  She was Granny to most, Mom, G.G., Edna, aunt, a daughter, a wife and friend to many. Anyone that came in contact with her, she always had to hug or give some kind of love.  She prayed the most beautiful prayers and would praise the Lord, even if her body tried to not let her.  She still praised him.  She raised her kids, worked her whole life and was a very bright light in this world. 
She worked for Parsley Brothers Construction and Cannon Co. Sheriffs Dept.  She loved to travel and spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She left so many wonderful and loving memories with the hearts she touched.  
Funeral services will be held at 3 pm Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Plainview Baptist church with Bro. Jonathan Womack and Bro. Charlie Heath officiating.  Interment will follow at Gaither cemetery.  
Pallbearers include Chris Harris, Jerime Dozier, Landon Parton, Braden Dozier, Gus Davenport, Bode Davenport, Nick Arnold and Jimmy Bond.
Honorary Pallbearers, Russell Vance, Terry Regan, Jimmie Hayes, Rick Mullings, Terry Reed, Jr., Morgan Sissom, Willie Blackburn
Visitation with her family will be Friday, March 19, 2021 from 3 pm until 9 pm at Woodbury Funeral Home and Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 11 am until time of service at Plainview Baptist church.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net  

Pick Tennessee Products Has New Look

Consumer interest in purchasing local is at an all-time high, and the long-standing Pick Tennessee Products program has announced a refreshed logo for Tennessee food businesses, farmers markets, and agritourism.

“As we move into a new year filled with hope and new possibilities, we are excited to share a new look for our state marketing program,” Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Through an online directory and a mobile app, we help consumers make their direct-to-farm connection. We are confident that this strong visual representation matches the strong products from the Volunteer State.”

For more than 30 years, Pick Tennessee Products has connected people everywhere to the great things that come from Tennessee’s farms and food businesses. The program now lists more than 2,700 Tennessee farmers and farm-direct businesses.

“This program provides critical exposure and marketing opportunities to our farmers and food manufacturers,” Assistant Commissioner Keith Harrison said. “As you get groceries for your family, plants for your yard, or gifts for loved ones, continue to look for the refreshed Pick Tennessee Products logo so you can be sure you are purchasing fresh and local products.”

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture conducted market research on the Pick Tennessee Products logo to provide information on the best ways to connect with consumers. “We’re proud to continue the tradition of using the red barn that Tennesseans recognize and see on the Ag Tag license plates while also incorporating new elements like the tri-star in this refreshed logo,” Commissioner Hatcher added.

Tennessee producers of agricultural products can apply online to become a Pick Tennessee Products member. To be included, farmers and food producers must comply with all permits, licenses, and inspections administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The department’s Business Development Division is available to assist with eligibility and directory questions at pick.tn@tn.gov.

Visit www.PickTNProducts.org or use the free Pick Tennessee mobile app to find farms and food businesses near you. Follow @PickTNProducts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about seasonal activities, products, and recipes.

Cannon County High School Earns Pathway Certification

Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced 159 pathways in 94 high schools and 51 districts have earned the Tennessee Pathways Certification for creating regional postsecondary opportunities. This more than doubles the number of Certified Pathways in Tennessee, bringing the total to 281 Certified Pathways in 136 high schools and 69 districts.  

Launched in 2019 in partnership with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the Tennessee Pathways Certification sets clear expectations for alignment, advisement, and partnerships that define strong education-to-career pathways. Beyond establishing standards for program quality and design, the certification elevates and celebrates innovative and exemplary pathways in the state.    

A list of the 2020 Tennessee Certified Pathways can be found here. 

• Cannon County High School | Emergency Services

“Tennessee is committed to building strong college and career pathways statewide,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Students benefit from having exposure to high-quality career pathways, and these pathways will serve to enhance our state’s future success and outcomes. We are proud to have more than doubled the number of Certified Pathways and this tremendous growth speaks to our districts, communities, and partners’ shared values of strong education-to-career pathways. The department is proud to support every district across all regions working to further develop, enhance, and grow these opportunities.” 

In preparation for the 2020 application cycle, the department made several key improvements based on district feedback and lessons learned from the initial application cycle in 2019 while making accommodations for COVID-19 disruptions.  

All schools serving grades 9-12 in Tennessee were eligible to apply and each pathway was evaluated through a rigorous application process in which schools detailed their postsecondary and employer partnerships, early college and career experiences, and structures for providing students with impactful career advisement. 

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, districts submitted 188 total applications for the Tennessee Pathways Certification, representing every region of the state, 108 high schools, and 57 districts during the 2019-20 application cycle.  

“The growth in the number of certified Pathways and participating high schools and districts underscores the quality of the work being done by the Pathways team and our K-12 partners,” said Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “After the first year, they all worked together to improve the certification process – maintaining the rigorous standards while enhancing clarity, transparency and training to enable more schools to participate. But what’s really important is the impact on students across the state, who are using the Pathways to chart their individual course to college and postsecondary training needed for high-quality careers in their communities and anywhere in the state.” 

Tennessee Pathways is structured around three key elements shown to increase seamless enrollment and success in postsecondary programs:  

1.   High-quality college and career advisement throughout K-12 

2.   Rigorous early postsecondary and work-based learning opportunities in high school 

3.   Seamless vertical alignment between K-12, postsecondary programs, and career opportunities as a result of effective partnerships among school districts, higher education institutions, employers, and community organizations 

In spring 2019, 81 Tennessee school districts—representing 162 high schools—submitted 415 pathways for the inaugural Certification cycle. Subsequently, 122 pathways representing 74 high schools in 39 districts earned the Certification in the first year of the program. 

On Feb. 8-9, the new Tennessee Certified Pathways will be recognized at the CTE Director’s meeting. 

Locally, Cannon County Schools CTE (Career and Technical Education) Director Crystal Kennedy stated, “The Tennessee Pathways Certification is an initiative program for K-12 schools with the goal of preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s Tennessee. The rigorous application process ensures that the reviewed Program of Study is high quality and offers early post-secondary opportunities including Work Based Learning, Industry Certifications, and a Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment agreement with a post-secondary institution. Industry partnership within the community is also a key component to gaining certification. With the hard work and dedication of our highly-trained staff, Cannon County High School’s Emergency Services Program of Study, meets and exceeds these requirements.” 

Cannon County High School Principal Courtney Nichols commented, “These are exciting times at Cannon County High School!  This will help prepare our Health Science students and post-secondary success and preparation for a Emergency Medical Services careers.” 

Director of Cannon County Schools, Mr. William F. Curtis stated, “I am very excited that Cannon County Schools was included in this year’s announcement!  Our CTE Director Mrs. Crystal Kennedy and CCHS Principal Mr. Courtney Nichols have been working with Ms. Amy Profant – Upper Cumberland Regional Coordinator for Tennessee Pathways in this detailed process.  I look forward as our personnel are examining multiple other ‘Pathways’ for our students at Cannon County High School.  This is a great example of our Cannon County Schools’ personnel working to fulfill 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!’”   

Snow Day Continues

For a student only one thing is better than a snow day and that is two snow days!

Cannon County Schools will be closed Tuesday, January 12th.

This severe weather alert is a service of Shelter Insurance located across from the Courthouse on the Square in Woodbury. Blake Finney and Hannah Hayes, agents.

From the National Weather Service…

...Light Snow to Produce Slick Roads Through This Afternoon and Evening ...

Snow bands continue to produce a light coating of snow across several places in Middle Tennessee. Due to cold surface temperatures, slick roads and some minor travel issues around and south of I-40 are expected through the afternoon and into tonight.
Please use caution and slow down especially if traveling on backroads.

Cannon County High School to Transition to A/B Schedule on Monday, January 11th, 2020

Cannon County High School will transition to an A/B Schedule on Monday, January 11th. This means that approximately one-half of CCHS Students will be On-Campus Learning, while the other one-half of CCHS Students are off-campus participating in Synchronous Distance Learning. ALL Cannon High School Students will be participating in Synchronous Distance Learning on Fridays.  This CCHS A/B Schedule will continue until the number of Cases/Contacts of COVID-19 decrease in regard to Cannon County High School.

Students with the last name A-K will report to CCHS on Monday and Wednesday; Students with the last name L-Z will report to CCHS on Tuesday and Thursday; and Friday will be a Synchronous Distance Learning Day for all students.  Teachers will use the adopted curriculum materials for Cannon County School District. If a digital platform is not available, materials will be uploaded into Google Classroom for distance access. Consumable materials may be sent home for those students without access to the internet, all materials will be in Google Classroom, and completed work will be in Google Classroom.

Teacher discretion will be used to determine the most appropriate teaching strategies based on each course curriculum and what works best for the needs of Cannon County High School Students.  Classroom Instruction will include, but not be limited to: Instruction delivered synchronously via Google Meet for those students who are on the alternate block day and are not present in person in a CCHS classroom.  These will be recorded and then uploaded to Google Classroom for student reference or kept in on the individual Class Google drive if not uploaded to Google Classroom.  Instruction can be given to students present in class with independent work on the virtual day.

While in class students are working independently, distance learners can receive instruction asynchronously via Google Classroom or printed packets.  Students who are failing must report on Fridays to make up work; specifically, CCHS Seniors who failed a First Semester class will be required to attend to make up the credit; and CCHS Freshmen who failed a First Semester English or Math class will be required to attend to make up the credit.  Additional Failing students will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and subject to attendance each day.  Alternative School Students will report to CCHS EVERY Day.

Cannon County High School Principal Courtney Nichols stated, “The CCHS A/B schedule will allow Cannon County High School to have fewer students in the classrooms which will help with social distancing. This will hopefully reduce the number of contacts when we have positive cases of COVID-19. Our main goal is to keep students in school as long as possible without having to go fully to distance learning. We are well aware of the challenges that Distance Learning brings to the majority of students, and this A/B approach will decrease the amount of students who are not participating in Distance Learning which will assist us in reducing the number of students in danger of failing classes.

Director of Cannon County Schools, Mr. William F. Curtis stated, “This CCHS A/B Schedule is a unique and innovative approach to the recent surge in the number of positive cases and contacts of COVID-19 with students and staff at Cannon County High School this past week. Mr. Nichols approached me with a plan to keep students on campus, and a way to do more social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 so we do not have to resort to total Distance Learning of all CCHS Students.  I appreciate CCHS’s every effort for the continuation of learning and a reduction in those failing classes.  This approach hopefully will do both, however we are continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation at CCHS and at all our Elementary Schools.  Parents of Cannon County High School Students have been contacted by School Officials via multiple means, and we sincerely appreciate their cooperation in these unprecedented times.”

Curtis continued, “Our Reopening Plan has be re-evaluated by Supervisors, Principals, and Teacher Representatives recently and will be voted on by the Cannon County Board of Education at its Regular Monthly Meeting on Thursday, January 14th, 2021.  ALL Cannon County Elementary Schools will remain participating in On-Campus Learning, unless their number of Cases/Contacts rises above certain percentage levels.  We are continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation at all our Elementary Schools in Cannon County and will follow our reevaluated Reopening Plan.  All Cannon County School Students will still have School Bus Services.

Cannon County Schools appreciates the hard work of Cannon County High School Principal Mr. Courtney Nichols, Teachers, and Staff Members to continue the education of the students of the Cannon County Community during this pandemic event.  Our desire is to achieve 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.’ Please contact Cannon County High School at 629-218-3197 for any additional needed information.” 

Jury Trials Delayed Due to COVID

By order of the state Supreme Court, all jury trials are postponed until February. The moratorium will extend until February 26, 2021. It includes in-person appearances in municipal, general sessions, juvenile, trial and appellate courts. In issuing the order, the court cited the spread of COVID-19 and the need to keep cases down. Various court officials across the state have reported hallways and courthouses being too crowded for people to move safely through them during the health crisis.

There are some exceptions to the order. They are:

  • Proceedings necessary to protect constitutional rights of criminal defendants, including
  • bond-related matters, preliminary hearings for incarcerated individuals, and plea agreements for incarcerated people;
  • Proceedings related to relief from abuse, including but not limited to orders of protection;
  • Settlements involving a minor or a person with a disability;
  • Proceedings related to statutory order of protection hearings after entry of an ex parte order necessary to satisfy any due process concerns;
  • Proceedings related to emergency child custody orders;
  • Proceedings related to the voluntary surrender of parental rights;
  • Department of Children’s Services emergency matters related to child safety, placement, permanency, or federal funding for children in foster care;
  • Proceedings related to petitions for temporary injunctive relief;
  • Proceedings related to emergency mental health orders;
  • Proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons;
  • Proceedings directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Chief Justice Jeffrey Bivins may elect to grant exceptions in trials on a case-by-case basis.

The Supreme Court of Tennessee signed the Order on December 22nd that all in person court proceedings were to cease for the Circuit, General Sessions and Juvenile Courts.

All dockets will be reset with the exceptions of the cases that meet specific criteria addressed in the Order.

For cases in Cannon County, contact the Circuit Court Clerks office at 615-563-4461 with questions about your case or for a new court date.

The office will remain open and business will still be conducted on a daily basis. Office hours are as follows:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8-4pm
  • Wednesday: 8-12pm

Ray David Foutch

Mr. Ray David Foutch, 70, passed away on August 29, 2020.  He was born on October 3, 1949 in Woodbury, TN to the late John H. Foutch and Nannie Mae Batey Foutch. Also preceding him in death are his daughter, Stephanie Angeline Johnson, brothers, Bobby Pinkerton, Frank Batey, and Charles Foutch, and a brother-in-law, Joe Hill. He grew up going to the Church of Christ with his family every Sunday.

He is survived by his wife, Lottie Foutch, stepson, E. Frank Burdine of Fultondale, AL, son-in-law, Charles Johnson of Phoenix, AZ, brothers, Floyd (Peggy) Batey of Miami, FL and Freddie (Lucille) Batey of Murfreesboro, sister, Francis Hill of Huntsville, AL, sister-in-law, Peggy Batey-Cole of Murfreesboro, uncle, James Batey of Woodbury, close cousins, Charles Mount, Peaches Floyd, Mary Elizabeth Pagan, and Benny Ezell, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 11-1 pm. They request those attending wear masks and practice social distancing. Funeral services will follow in the Smith Funeral Home chapel at 1 pm.  Interment will be in Hoover Cemetery. Share condolences and memories with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net  Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337