Local News

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.

By Tamas Mondovics
Editor

Tennessee House Bill No. 2376, which is relative to education, was introduced on February 1, 2018, passed the House on March 29, 2018, and the Senate on April 24, 2018. According to Johnson County schools officials Governor Bill Haslam singed the Bill into law on May 15, 2018, which provides revisions and updates regarding school attendance, truancy, and discipline.

Johnson County School System Attendance Supervisor Edna Miller, Ed.S., explained that all school systems are required by law to notify parents and guardians when their child has accumulated three unexcused absences and again at five unexcused absences and that new notices are to be sent after each successive accumulation of five unexcused absences.

Miller added that Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-3007 states that any child attending public school who has five unexcused absences during a school year is considered truant and in violation of the said law.

“An unexcused absence occurs when the absence does not fall into one of the excused categories as described in the Johnson County Board of Education Attendance Policy,” Miller said. “Each absence will be considered unexcused until a professional excuse is turned in. Therefore, it is extremely important that all excuses be turned in within 10 days, as stated in the attendance policy.”

The policy will be located in each child’s handbook that will be distributed on the first day of school, which will be August 7, 2018 (1/2 day). It can also be found online at www.jocoed.net officials said.

Miller emphasized that the new law states that the local board of education shall adopt a progressive truancy intervention plan for students and parents/guardians who violate attendance requirements prior to the filing of a truancy petition or a criminal prosecution for educational neglect.

“The intervention plan is to begin once a student accumulates five unexcused absences at any time during the school year,” she said.

The following intervention plan has been approved by the Johnson County Board of Education, and follows all of the requirements outlined in the law:

Tier 1 – (School Level)

•Violation – 5 unexcused absences

•10 days to turn in excuses from the day of the last unexcused absence – Tier 1 must be triggered if excuses are not turned within the ten-day period

• Required conference with parent and student

•Plan/Contract created

• Child will remain in Tier 1 for the rest of the school year if all guidelines found in plan/contract are met.

• Child will be advanced to Tier 2 if guidelines found in plan/contract are not met

Tier 2 – (School Level)

• Violation – further unexcused absences

• This tier will be triggered at the 7th unexcused absence

• Required conference with parent and student

• New plan/contract formed with additional steps put in place

• Child will remain in Tier 2 for the rest of the school year if all guidelines found in plan/contract are met.

• Child will be advanced to Tier 3 if guidelines found in plan/contract are not met

Tier 3 – (Attendance Supervisor)

•Violation – further unexcused absences

• This tier will be triggered at the 9th unexcused absence

•Required to appear before Attendance Review Committee. The committee members will include the Johnson County School System Attendance Supervisor, Johnson County Youth Services Officer/Probation Officer, Department of Children Service Representative, and various school administrators.

• Community resources offered to family

• Child will remain in Tier 3 for the rest of the school year if all guidelines found in plan/contract are met.

• Additional unexcused absences or no adherence to the plan will result in a petition to the juvenile court. A petition will be filed with the juvenile court on the 10th unexcused absence.

To sum up the up the new state required attendance laws, Miller said that it is the belief of the Johnson County Board of Education, as well as the Tennessee Department of Education that all children can learn and do learn.

“Children cannot learn if they are not in school,” she said. “Therefore, the new laws have been put in place to ensure that students are in school on a regular basis. While in school, they are learning the curriculum and standards set forth to increase their knowledge and skill level needed to compete in a local and global economy. They are being taught the necessary skills needed for a successful future. Any absence represents lost opportunities to learn in the classroom. Teachers are using numerous teaching strategies and activities in the classroom to engage students and enhance student learning. When a child misses school, he/she is missing out on these opportunities.”

For more information about Johnson County schools please visit at www.jocoed.net.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessee National Guard, has been tapped as the next Deputy Commanding General, First U.S. Army headquartered in Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. He is currently assigned as the Deputy Adjutant General, Tennessee National Guard.

The First Army is the oldest and longest established field army of the United States Army activated in France in 1918. In World War II First Army’s troops were the first to land on Omaha and Utah beaches in Normandy. In 1973, First Army’s mission transitioned to improving the readiness of the Reserve Components and now includes the training, readiness oversight, and mobilization for all U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard units within the continental United States and two U.S. territories.

Holmes will be responsible to assist the Commanding General with the training and readiness of all Army National Guard and Army Reserve units. An official assumption of responsibility ceremony will occur in mid-July.

“The Tennessee National Guard is proud to see one of our own selected for such a prestigious assignment”, said Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Tennessee’s Adjutant General. “Jeff is without a doubt one of the most balanced leaders in our Army today. His command leadership experience at multiple levels in combat while forging a private career as an accomplished architect and ultimately founding his own company, establishes him as the epitome of the Citizen Soldier.”

Maj. Gen. Holmes has deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, first as the Commander of the 3rd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment and second as the Regimental Commander. He holds a Bachelor
of Architecture from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Penn. He is a registered architect, founder of J Holmes Architecture and resident, with his wife Rhonda, of Lascassas.

More information about the Tennessee Military Department and the Tennessee National Guard can be found at https://www.tn.gov/military.html.

Political yard signs began appearing in Johnson County as early as February of this year and with the state primary and county general election now just weeks away, the local landscape is now inundated with signs soliciting votes, but Tennessee law makes it illegal to deface or remove them. Photo by Jill Penley

By Jill Penley

Freelance Writer

‘State law prohibits stealing election signs.’

Political yard signs began appearing in Johnson County as early as February of this year and with the state primary and county general now just weeks away, the local landscape is now inundated with signs soliciting votes.
While their effectiveness continues to be debated, political candidates who choose to purchase and erect campaign signs can attest, as with any campaign materials, there is a steep out-of-pocket cost involved so when campaign signs are defaced or stolen, it leaves the candidate and his or her supporters seething.
What people may not realize is that stealing a campaign sign, or tampering with a sign, is a crime. The offender may be charged with theft, damage to property and trespassing.
Johnson County Administrator of Elections Cheri Lipford and Deputy Administrator Molly Bunting provide an information packet to each candidate as they pick up paperwork to run for office, which includes election requirements and laws such as campaign finance reports, the Hatch Act, and the disclaimer law. “The candidates then sign a form confirming their receipt of the candidate information packet,” said Lipford.
Rumors and misconceptions are rampant regarding state laws governing elections. Some of the most prevalent ones involve, not only defacing or stealing political signs but where the political advertisement can be placed, when and who is responsible for removal after the conclusion of the election and the requirement of a “disclaimer” on political advertising.
Per state law, Tennessee Code Annotated Section 2-19-144, “it is unlawful for any person to place or attach any type of show-card, poster, or advertising material or device, including election campaign literature, on any kind of poles, towers, or fixtures of any public utility company, whether privately or publicly owned or as defined in § 65-4-101, unless legally authorized to do so.”
State law also dictates the proper removal of campaign advertising by stating “after the conclusion of a primary, general, or special election, candidates in such election shall be responsible for the removal
of any signs, posters, or placards advocating their candidacy, which have been placed on highway rights-of-way or other publicly owned property. The removal of such materials shall be accomplished within a reasonable period of time following the election, not to exceed three (3) weeks.”
Perhaps the most misunderstood election law involves the requirement of a visible disclaimer on political advertising advising who paid for that particular advertisement. State law in Tennessee Code Annotated states that “whenever any person makes an expenditure for the purpose of financing a communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, as defined by (state law) or that solicits any contribution, through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, poster, yard sign, direct mailing or any other form of general public political advertising, a disclaimer meeting the requirements of (state law) shall appear and be presented in a clear and conspicuous manner to give the reader, observer or listener adequate notice of the identity of persons who paid for and, where required, who authorized the communication.”
State law, however, provides an exemption for items such as bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens, novelties, and similar small items on which the disclaimer cannot be conveniently printed.
If a sign or other communication is paid for by someone other than the candidate or their official political committee but is authorized by the candidate, the disclaimer must list the name of the individual or the candidate authorized group that paid for the ad as well as the fact it. Subsequently, if an individual or group purchases a sign or other campaign materials that are made on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate and is not authorized by the candidate, the disclaimer on that material must include the identity of who purchased it as well as state that it has not been approved by the candidate.

By Jill Penley

Freelance Writer

Early voting for the upcoming state primary and county general election kicks off on July 13, and local officials are expecting to see a high turnout at the polls.
“We expect a large turnout for early voting,” Johnson County Administrator of Elections Cheri Lipford said. “There has been a lot of interest in this election.”
During the last state primary and county general election in August 2014, Lipford said a total of 5,498 residents cast ballots, with 3,606 voters choosing to take part in absentee and early voting instead of waiting until Election Day. The overall voter turnout for that election was just shy of 50 percent, according to Lipford.
With several local races up for grabs, many residents plan to cast ballots during early voting to avoid the lines at the polls on Election Day. Early voting will begin on Friday, July 13 and continue through Saturday, July 28. Hours for the early voting period are Monday 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and then from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.
Early voting will be held at the Johnson County Election Commission Office, which is located at 158 Election Avenue in Mountain City directly behind the Johnson County Rescue Squad.
While early voting is ongoing, the Election Commission Office is a legal polling place, which means the 100-foot boundary on campaign materials is in effect for the office building as well as the parking area. Campaign materials such as signs, hats, t-shirts, buttons, or campaign literature are not allowed within 100 feet of a polling place under state law.

A mobile dental office parked last month at the First United
Methodist Church in Mountain City provided free dental services to nearly 100 people. The service named Appalachian Miles for Smiles visits the area annually and provides a
variety of dental health services during a two-day event. Photo by David Holloway

By David Holloway

Staff Writer

Close to 100 were treated last month during a two-day, cost-free dental service appropriately named Appalachian Miles for Smiles in Mountain City.
According to organizers, the event, which was scheduled for June 21 and 22, and held at the First United Methodist Church parking lot that provided a temporary, mobile dental hub, was a great success.
“There would have been more people treated, but a few couldn’t receive treatment because of their blood pressure or blood sugar levels,” said event organizer Ellen Watkins. “We are planning to expand the services offered to include vision care as well in the future.”
During the two days, volunteers administered Tetanus shots, flu shots, sugar level checks, and blood pressure checks.
“The Johnson County Health Department gave out 50 Tetanus shots and 50 Whooping Cough shots,” Watkins said.
As it has been the case in the past, extractions are the most commonly performed procedure. This year there were 84 patient encounters, 210 extractions, 39 fillings and 28 cleanings, with all of the services adding up to a total value of $58,769 commercial dental services provided.
“Appalachian Miles for Smiles was happy to return to Johnson County again this year,” said Devin Cradic, Appalachian Miles for Smiles Program Manager. “When we were here last summer we saw first hand the immense need for dental services in this area and the lack of access to quality and affordable care that face many Johnson County residents.
Cradic specifically expressed appreciation for all the volunteers and their efforts when he said, “Our volunteers have once again stepped up and made this event a huge success, and the support and hospitality we have all received from the people of Mountain City has just been fantastic. We look forward to returning again next year.”

Johnson County Bank employees present a check donation of $2,500 to Johnson County Cancer Support Group founder Flo Bellamy. Photo courtesy of Johnson County Bank

By Tamas Mondovics

Editor

In a continued effort to show continued support of and commitment to the community members of the Johnson County Bank board and employees were pleased to donate $2,500 Johnson County Cancer Support Group, (JCCG).
According to Temple Reece with Johnson County Bank each year JCB chooses a need that the company decides to want to.
“This year we chose the Johnson County Cancer Support Group formed by Flo Bellamy,” Reece said. “It is such an important program and helps so many people. We will continue doing some things to help the Cancer Support Group throughout 2018.”
Reece emphasized that JCB also has a fall event planned, but that the support for local organizations is substantial.
“All of our employees help with projects, and feel very strongly about the impact this has on our community,” she said. “So many people have cancer, and when they go to the Cancer Support group, all they need is a confirmed diagnosis by their doctor and Flo begins helping them. They help with basic daily needs, gas money for treatments and so many other things.
While Reece was unable to say for sure how much money has been donated in support of the community, she was confident of a significant amount.
Some other ways to help the group includes pillows made by employees that are made to go under seat belts for cancer patients.
“We also continue to help with wigs for cancer patients and much more,” Reece said. “Many of our employees donate on a regular basis to the Cancer Support Group.
Reece added that she has assisted with organizing the Copperhead Road Runs for the past three years.
“Chris and Bonnie Reece, our CEO and Vice President came to these runs and participated and raised around $3,000 for all these runs combined,” she said. “JCB organized art projects as well as held silent auctions for the Group.
JCB estimates that amount of monies raised so far by the Bank in support of the Cancer Support Group is roughly around $10,000.
In appreciation for the support, Bellamy said, “All the support and generosity is a blessing. Every cent of it goes to local cancer patients. It is much appreciated and is indeed a community effort.
Anyone needing more information about breast cancer can find valuable resources at nationalbreastcancer.org, cdc.gov/cancer/breast, as well as cancer.gov. For local community members looking for guidance and support, the Johnson County Cancer Support Group can be reached by calling Flo Bellamy 423-727-2942 or 423-727-9558.

By Marlana Ward

Freelance Writer

Since February 2017, the Circuit Court Clerk’s office has been increasing its effort in collecting fines and fees owed to the county by those who are sentenced through the local court system. The office’s renewed dedication to making sure offenders pay what is owed to the county has been streamlined this year thanks to improved software and the utilization of an outside collections agency.
At the June meeting of the Johnson County Commission, Melissa Hollaway, Johnson County Circuit Court Clerk, shared reports highlighting amounts owed to the county and monies collected by the clerk’s office this past year. According to Hollaway, the report produced showed the total owed to the county and turned over to collections from 1999 to present day. The total owed to the county in past due fines was $2,397,534.06.
Hollaway described the difficulties in obtaining the exact amount of past-due monies owed to the county, “It is very hard to get accurate numbers from past years because for one, this office did not have updated computer software capable to calculate. However, new computers are now in place and the best way to describe revenue is that it works like a bank account with revolving monies in and out. This means that for every debt paid off, dozens more take its place so the numbers fluctuate daily. Collections are about past due amounts only and does not reflect the daily, on-time payments that go to the county.”
Hollaway shared that in the past a combination of few penalties enforced and the lack of a well-defined payment plan led to the accumulated amount of charges turned over to collections this year. “There have never been collection efforts in place until now, so it has been very challenging to collect old fines and costs,” she stated. “Only within the past few years have the payment plans been introduced and utilized. Even then, people still did not want to pay. With the collection agency partnering with us it has created a sort of security blanket for people to adhere to these payment agreements.”
Since the collection agency has been utilized by the county clerk’s office, the office has seen positive steps towards the collection of past due accounts. “We have collected over $13,000 dollars in a year’s time in past due costs,” Hollaway stated. “That to me is pretty amazing considering this has never been done before.”
Hollaway explained how the Circuit Court Clerk Office is continually evolving and adapting new methods for collecting funds owed to the county. “As a team, the clerk’s offices is doing all that we can to collect these monies for the county,” she said. “I am always looking for ways to streamline and improve and as new technology advances, so does our efforts.”
She went on to explain how the clerk’s office took advantage of an opportunity given by the state of Tennessee to increase their collection efforts as well. “In 2011, a law was passed that required the clerk’s office to report any defendant that is not on a payment plan to be turned over to the department of safety for suspension of driver’s license,” she explained.
“This is something I put into full force and effect when I took office in 2014. This has been instrumental in collecting because having a driver’s license is a necessity and when an individual is notified from the department of safety their driving privileges are suspended, most times they immediately contact my office for guidance. They can then apply for a payment plan and go back before the judges.
If granted, then they can get their license reinstated per payment plan but if they miss payments, their license will be suspended again and the department of safety will only then reinstate if the case is paid in full.”
In addition to the lack of penalties and payment options, Hollaway expressed an understanding of how the court process could be intimidating for offenders and how the clerk’s office attempts to help individuals work towards paying fines on time. “We realize that collecting money is no easy task,” said Hollaway. “Given the lack of jobs here in the county, as well as our area being one of the lower income counties as Tennessee as a whole, we are striving to offer payment plans through our office and the courts that would be on a case by case basis that would allow the debtor to pay their court costs and fees based on their income that they feel
comfortable paying yet being able to maintain financial stability.”
Hollaway also explained how the judges who preside over local cases are doing their part in ensuring offenders know they have fines to be paid along with their sentences. “The debtors actually sign an agreement saying they acknowledge they have monies due to the courts and that they agree to pay that amount monthly,” she said.
Penalties for those who do not fulfill their obligations to the county are enforced as pursuant to Tennessee law. “If someone does not make a payment toward their fines and fees within a six month period, they risk being in default and being turned over to the collection agency as stated in T.C.A 40-24-105 ©,” Hollaway explained. “Additionally, if their court costs and fines are traffic related, they risk having their driver’s license suspended as allowed by T.C.A 55-50-502 (H) (I).”
The Court Clerk’s Office is available to answer any questions a citizen may have about court fees, fines, and the payment thereof. “The main thing to remember is to try to pay something every single month,” expressed Hollaway. “This will prevent being turned over to collections and getting your license suspended. I understand that having to go to court is scary and confusing. My team and I are here and glad to help you understand the process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 423-727-9012. Methods of payment: online at www.courtfeepay.com, mail to Melissa Hollaway, Circuit Court Clerk, P.O Box 73 Mountain City, TN 37683, No personal checks, Money Orders, Cashier’s Check or may pay cash in person.

Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced several new steps today to improve the state’s TNReady student assessment, including recompeting the state’s current testing vendor contract. These improvements are being made after ongoing conversations with teachers, parents, education leaders, and policy-makers over the past several weeks and are aimed at addressing a number of areas of concern.

The multi-faceted changes announced today will immediately improve the state assessment—TNReady—and establish a longer-term framework for success. The steps being taken to improve TNReady include:

•Releasing a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify the assessment vendor or vendors that can successfully administer the state test in 2019-20 and beyond.

•Amending the state’s current contract and relationship with Questar to improve the assessment experience in 2018-19

•Adjusting the pace of the state’s transition to online testing

These steps complement additional actions already in the works, including eliminating two TNReady end-of-course exams, eliminating the March stand-alone field test for the next two years, simplifying and streamlining test administration, bringing in a third party to perform an independent review of Questar’s technological capabilities, improving customer service, and engaging dozens of additional Tennessee teachers, content experts, and testing coordinators to look at every part of our state testing program.

“Teachers, students and families deserve a testing process they can have confidence in, and we are doing everything possible to meet that responsibility,” Commissioner McQueen said. “We are always committed to listening and improving, and we’ll continue to do just that.”

TNReady is a high-quality assessment that is aligned to Tennessee’s rigorous academic expectations. In May, a national study recognized Tennessee as the No. 1 state in the country for improvement in the quality of its academic standards, going from an “F” rating in 2007 to an “A” in 2017. TNReady is designed to measure those standards, and it has a variety of different types of questions to look for the depth of students’ knowledge. All of those aspects of the test will not change, but the RFP process will better ensure that students can take TNReady seamlessly and without disruption.