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On July 13, 2018, Dennis Dwayne Brooks, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Mr. Brooks entered into an agreement to publish a book about the convictions of three people for murder, after he was successful in getting murder convictions as the lead prosecutor in the matters. Mr. Brooks’ book was published prior to the conclusions of the appeals of two of the convictions. After Mr. Brooks’ book was published, one of the defendants filed a motion for a new trial and a writ of error coram nobis alleging that the book contained evidence which had not been provided to the defense. The appeals of two of the convictions were stayed for 18 months pending a hearing on these matters. By these acts, Mr. Brooks is in violation of Rule 1.8 (conflict of interest) and 8.4(d) (prejudice to the administration of justice) and is hereby Publicly Censured for these violations.

A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorney’s ability to practice law. Brooks 44880-1 rel.doc

The Johnson County Farm Service Agency will be accepting applications for the Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) for Strawberries, Wheat, Barley, Oats and Rye thru September 1, 2018. Application closing date for value loss crops such as Christmas trees, and Turfgrass sod is September 1. Coverage will be for the 2019 crop.

NAP crops are commercially grown crops that can be insured for $250 per crop with the maximum cost being $750 per county. New, limited resource and targeted underserved farmers are eligible for free catastrophic coverage. NAP provides coverage based on the amount of loss that exceeds 50% of expected production at 55% of the average market price for the crop. The deadline to report planted acreage for Christmas trees covered by NAP is September 30. The deadline to report planted acreage for small grains is December 15. Reporting dates for other NAP crops is available at the FSA office. FSA uses acreage reports to verify the existence of the crop and to record the number of acres covered.

When a crop or planting is affected by a natural disaster the producer must notify the FSA office where their farm records are maintained and complete part B, (the Notice of Loss portion) of form CCC-576. The CCC-576 is used to report failed acreage and prevented planting and may be completed by any producer with an interest in the crop. Timely filing a Notice of Loss is required for all crops, including grasses. For losses on crops covered by NAP and crop insurance, you must file a Notice of Loss in the FSA office within 15 days of the occurrence of the disaster or when losses become apparent. If filing for prevented planting, an acreage report and CCC-576 must be filed within 15 calendar days of the final planting date for the crop.

Further information on the NAP program is available at the Johnson County Farm Service Agency at 119 S Murphey Street, Mountain City, TN or by telephone at (423) 727-9744. Information is also available on FSA’s website at www.fsa.usda.gov/nap.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).

“Special accommodations will be made, upon request, for individuals with disabilities, vision impairment, or hearing impairment. If accommodations are required, please call Jo Ann Reece, (423) 727-9744.

Staff report

Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Candice McQueen today released the results from the 2018 Tennessee Educator Survey, which was completed by nearly 40,000 Tennessee educators, representing 58 percent of the state’s teachers – an all-time high response rate. Survey results point to progress made and maintained in a number of areas, alongside several areas where our state’s educators continue to see a need for improvement. This is the eighth year that the department, in partnership with Vanderbilt University, has surveyed all educators in the state to gather feedback and include teachers’ voices in department strategy, policy decisions, and goal setting. The Tennessee Educator Survey, designed in conjunction with the Tennessee Education Research Alliance at Vanderbilt University (TERA), aims to measure and evaluate teacher perceptions, monitor school climates and culture across the state.

“To understand what is working and where we need to improve as a state, we need teachers’ collective feedback,” Commissioner McQueen said. “The survey results this year show us that more teachers have a clearer understanding of expectations, and they feel better supported and able to tailor instruction to meet their students’ needs. This is exactly the direction we want to move, and we will continue to reinforce the need for stability and support for educators as they continue to align their teaching to Tennessee’s academic standards.”

Some of the main takeaways from the 2018 survey are:
Compared to 2017, 22 percent fewer teachers report feeling pulled in too many directions in terms of what to teach and how to teach it. This suggests that teachers are adjusting to the expectations set by new grade-level standards and are feeling more confident and better supported as they teach those. Since 2012, there has been a steady increase in the percentage of teachers reporting that the evaluation process has led to improvements in their teaching—going from one-third of teachers to about three-fourths over the last six years. This year, 72 percent of educators say evaluation has led to improvements in their teaching. Educators also noted they desire higher quality feedback from observations, along with the time and space to work on areas of improvement. The department is using the feedback to identify areas to continue to improve, such as ensuring observation provides useful and timely feedback and reducing the time and resources burden that some educators report.

Overall, 9 in 10 teachers report that they understand what the state academic standards expect of them as a teacher, but fewer, only 6 in 10, report feeling the materials currently available to them are well-suited for teaching the standards. The survey finds that more teachers would benefit from improved access to strong instructional materials, along with receiving the training and support necessary to properly implement curriculum in their classroom. Earlier this year, the department started a new initiative – Ready with Resources – as an outgrowth of the Read to be Ready work. This will provide more teachers with access to optional high-quality instructional materials and support districts in planning for adoption of new resources. Three out of four teachers reported that they feel more empowered, versus constrained, to teach in ways that they feel are best for their students. Many teachers attributed their empowerment to having the autonomy to implement their curriculum to best meet their students’ needs, among other reasons.

These findings continue to show that state, district, and school leaders must work together to support educators, which will align resources, create stability and consistency, and maximize teachers’ effectiveness in the classroom. The department shares school and district survey results directly with local leaders to inform their decision-making, and the department also uses the state-level information to guide the department’s work. Additionally, the department’s regional offices use the survey results to provide districts with the support to create regional collaborative relationships, differentiated professional development, and evidence-based best practice sharing.

These insights and more can be seen on the 2018 survey website. The online portal allows users to view aggregate statewide teacher and administrator responses, as well as district- and school-specific information, provided they meet or exceed a minimum participation threshold of 45 percent. This year, 1,167 schools and 133 districts met the 45 percent threshold to receive school- and district-level data. To view the 2018 Tennessee Educator Survey results and read the report, Reflections over Time: Tennessee Educator Survey 2018 Results in Context, visit the department’s website here.

For more information about the Tennessee Educator Survey, please contact Laura Booker, executive director of research, at Laura.Booker@tn.gov. For media inquiries, please contact Sara Gast at (615) 532-6260 or Sara.Gast@tn.gov.

Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle crash-related fatalities in the nation. Photo submitted

By Tamas Mondovics
Editor

Motorists are at risk every time they take the wheel, but how much does that risk increase when getting behind the handlebars? Based on data by the National Highway Traffic Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), America’s roads witnessed more than 34,000 fatal accidents in 2016, the latest full year of data available. More than 15 percent of those deadly crashes involved a bike in some manner.Most often, motorcyclists themselves met a tragic fate; in more than 95 percent of fatal crashes involving a motorcycle, a rider died.

To better explore American motorcycle fatalities Nina Krstovic with Auto Insurance Center an agency that is responsible for the research and all the infographics and her team analyzed FARS, which collects data on all vehicle crashes in the United States that occur on a public roadway and involve a fatality to see how many motorcycle crash-related fatalities happen across the country.

Krstovic reported that unfortunately Tennessee stands out by being in the top 10of the list. “According to the data, Tennessee ranks eighth for the highest motorcyclist mortality rates in the U.S. relative to all registered vehicles, per 100K,” she said. “As a state with U.S. helmet laws, TN sees nine percent of motorcyclists who did not wear a helmet in fatal accidents.”

The report continued stating that of the 5,286 motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents 94 percent were riders and 6 percent of them passengers. “As the data shows, Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle crash-related fatalities in the nation,” Krstoic said. It is noteworthy too that for every 100,000 motorcycles registered nationwide, 60 operator or passenger deaths occurred – a rate that is more than six times that of standard passenger cars.

Trucks had an even better record, with a fatality rate nearly eight times lower than that of motorcycles. Relative to cars and trucks, many risky aspects of riding seem irresolvable: Bikes will never match their bulkier counterparts in protection or stability. Some safety advocates say that much can still be done to improve the safety of
motorcyclists, including the addition of anti-lock braking systems, a standard feature of cars and trucks since the 1990s. ABS tech is available in only a tiny portion of motorcycles on the market and could save hundreds of lives annually if widely implemented.

For a full report please go to Motorcycle Hazards

A full study from Auto Insurance Center can be found by visiting State of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents In America at www.autoinsurancecenter.com.

Tourism Development Council launches new website.

By Tamas Mondovics
Editor

Since its launch earlier this year, members of the Tourism Development Council (TDC) of Johnson County, Tennessee have been busy working on accomplishing the organization’s short and long-term goals. The official launch of the new Tourism Development Council held on Thursday, April 19, 2018, in the form of two informational seminars, was well attended, demonstrating the community’s interest in the group’s goals and future plans. According to TDC president and owner of Harbin Hill Farms Richard Calkins, Tourism at its first meeting for members and prospective members, the non-profit, and newly-established group presented its accomplishments over the past six months, and plans for the next six years.Calkins was pleased with the launch of TDC’s online presence, which he said was a top priority.

“One of the Council’s first major accomplishments has been the development of a fully operational website for the organization,” Calkins said.

TDC’s online features include a listing of the members of the Council, by business category, an “about” section, an events section, a photo gallery, and information about how to become a registered member. Considered as one of the most important sections of the new website is the “events section,” that includes a calendar of all events across Johnson County and (selectively) events in surrounding counties. Those interested in knowing what dates may already have events scheduled can check the events section by date to find out. Once an event sponsor has selected a date for their event, they can list it on the TDC calendar, which can be found at www.explorejohnsoncountytn.com/events – 3/.

Going forward, the Council described its plans to develop a strategy and business plan for advertising and promotion.

“In view of current trends, much of the strategy is expected to rely on social media marketing, including through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and similar applications,” Calkins said.

Tourism development has reportedly been receiving unprecedented attention and support at the State level, sporting record-breaking year for Tennessee tourism: in 2016, tourism expenditures were up by 4.7 percent, state and local sales tax revenues by 6.7 percent, and tourism- related employment by 3.3 percent. Tennessee places within the top ten tourist destinations in the U.S. and is widely considered a top retirement destination.

In recognition of the need for many of its members – and the Johnson County business community in general, to become more familiar with what marketing through social media is all about, the Council was pleased to announce plans to organize a series of workshops on this topic to meet this need. The workshops will be open to the public, but direct support from the Council will be limited to those businesses who are registered members, and thus eligible to participate in the overall marketing efforts of the TDC.
For more information about the Tourism Development Council (TDC) of Johnson County, Tennessee area residents are urged to visit the new website, www.explorejohnsoncountytn.com as well as share the news with friends, family and out of town guests.

FSA’s Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade storage facilities and to purchase portable (new or used) structures, equipment and storage and handling trucks.

The low-interest funds can be used to build or upgrade permanent facilities to store commodities. Eligible commodities include corn, grain sorghum, rice, soybeans, oats, peanuts, wheat, barley, minor oilseeds harvested as whole grain, pulse crops (lentils, chickpeas and dry peas), hay, honey, renewable biomass, fruits, nuts and vegetables for cold storage facilities, floriculture, hops, maple sap, rye, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, meat and poultry (unprocessed), eggs, and aquaculture (excluding systems that maintain live animals through uptake and discharge of water). Qualified facilities include grain bins, hay barns and cold storage facilities for eligible commodities.

Loans up to $50,000 can be secured by a promissory note/security agreement and loans between $50,000 and $100,000 may require additional security. Loans exceeding $100,000 require additional security.

Producers do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply. The loans are designed to assist a diverse range of farming operations, including small and mid-sized businesses, new farmers, operations supplying local food and farmers markets, non-traditional farm products, and underserved producers.

To learn more about the FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport  , contact the Johnson County FSA County Office at 119 S Murphey Street, Mountain City, TN or by telephone at (423) 727-9744.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

By Tamas Mondovics
Editor

On Friday, August 3, 2018, Johnson County Schools will kick-off the 2018-2019 school year. In conjunction with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, (JCSO) the Mountain City Police Department (MCPD) and the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency (JCEMA) with an active shooter drill involving all faculty and staff members at the Johnson County High and Middle Schools complex.

Due to the exercise, no students or visitors will be permitted to enter the school complex until 12 p.m. The drill will assign teachers to their individual classrooms and will practice a response to an active shooter situation by following the appropriate safety procedure. School officials emphasized that school safety is the number one priority of the Johnson County Schools System.

“We want to let the community know that we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety and security of the students and staff,” said Angie Wills, Ed.S. Supervisor of Elementary Education, Johnson County TN Schools. Wills added that the JCS we welcome suggestions that would help to make area schools safer.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until August 1, 2018 to enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and/or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2018 crop year. These programs trigger financial protections for participating agricultural producers when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices or revenues.

Producers have already elected ARC or PLC, but to receive program benefits they must enroll for the 2018 crop year by signing a contract before the August 1 deadline. If you have not yet enrolled contact your local FSA office to schedule an appointment.
Covered commodities under the programs include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice (which includes short grain and sweet rice), safflower seed, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.

For more program information, visit the Johnson County FSA office at 119 S Murphey Street, Mountain City, TN, by telephone at 423-727-9744 or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

Nominations for candidates to run for the Johnson County Farm Service Agency committee election representing producers in Local Administrative Area 2 which includes the communities of Trade, Shouns, Neva and Dry Run will be accepted through August 1, 2018. Producers who are eligible to vote in LAA –2, who participate or cooperate in an FSA program, are of legal voting age and who reside in LAA-2 may be nominated to serve on the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Also, organizations representing socially disadvantaged minorities and women farmers may also nominate candidates.

The county committee system, effective since 1936, affords producers the opportunity to elect representatives who, in turn, administer federal farm programs at the local level; thereby providing producers with a voice in farm program implementation.All farmers are strongly encouraged to participate in the County Committee nomination and election process.

Please visit the Johnson County Farm Service Agency at 119 S Murphey Street or call the office at (423) 727-9744 Information and nomination forms are also available online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.

Tennessee is the only state in the nation to receive funding for partnership to advance student health, academics.

NASHVILLE— Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced today that Tennessee was awarded over $4.3 million in grant funding to support the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based strategies and activities to prevent childhood obesity, reduce the risk of children and adolescents developing chronic disease in adulthood, and help manage chronic health conditions prevalent in Tennessee students. In addition to this work, Tennessee was the only state to receive an additional grant to fund the National Professional Development and Partnership for School Health (NPDPSH) project. The funds, awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will also support professional development and training to help educators improve student health and academic achievement.

“We know that a student’s health and academic performance are closely linked, so we are excited to provide more of our students the opportunity to continue to grow and learn while benefitting their physical health,” said McQueen. “These grants will allow us to provide resources to our districts and schools to further the well-being of all Tennessee children.”

Research shows that children who eat more nutritious meals and are more physically active perform better in the classroom. However, Tennessee students are struggling in the battle to modify behaviors, such as poor eating habits and lack of exercise, which contribute to development of chronic diseases later in life. In Tennessee, more than 39 percent of school-aged children are overweight or obese and overall Tennessee currently has the highest childhood obesity rate in the nation.

Through efforts supported by this new grant, the department will be able to help provide students education on proper nutrition, physical activity, and management of chronic health conditions, so students can establish healthy behaviors that could reduce the rate of overweight and obesity, reduce the risk for future chronic diseases, and improve academic performance in schools. The efforts supported by the grants will focus on the three strategies:

1. Development:
the department will develop strategies and best practices to increase awareness and promote evidence-based policies on school-based health education, physical education/physical activity, healthy eating, and management of chronic health conditions.

2.Professional development and training:
the department will design professional development and training opportunities on establishing systems for the management and support of students with chronic health conditions.

3.Technical assistance:
through a partnership with the department of health, the department will provide statewide and district technical assistance through professional development and training, on-site visits, online learning, and additional methods as needed.

Tennessee is one of 17 states that secured grants to implement these strategies using a comprehensive, statewide approach over the next five years. While some activities will be implemented statewide, the department has selected 10 districts with which to prioritize the work.

The 10 priority districts are: Crockett County Schools, Lauderdale County Schools, Weakley County Schools, Maury County Schools, Wayne County Schools, Rutherford County Schools, Trousdale County Schools, Monroe County Schools, Grainger County schools, and Hawkins County Schools. These districts were selected for particular focus based on their high percentage of overweight or obese students, economically disadvantaged status, percentage of student’s with chronic health conditions, and access to physical activity programs.

In addition to this work, Tennessee was the only state to receive an additional grant to fund the National Professional Development and Partnership for School Health (NPDPSH) project. Through a coordinated effort, the NPDPSH will provide national professional development for Tennessee to improve the implementation of school health policies and practices and increase the percentage of individuals or teams who have been able to transfer school health skills into practice.

These new efforts will build on the work already started by the Tennessee Departments of Education and Health through the Active Students, Active Learners initiative, which began in August 2017. Together the departments are working to help bring tools and evidence to education decision makers that illustrate the significant impacts of physical activity on the whole student, particularly academic performance.