AAA reports Tennessee Gas Price Average Jumps to $3.00 per Gallon
October 12, 2021
Nashville, TN – For the first time since October 2014 the Tennessee gas price average rose above $3.00 per gallon. Over last week, Tennessee gas prices jumped nearly 12 cents to the most expensive gas price average so far this year.
The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.01 which is nearly 12 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.07 more than one year ago.
Tennessee moves to the 9th least expensive market in nation. (AAA)
Number Tennessee Distressed Counties Decreases
October 10, 2021
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced Tennessee has reduced the state’s number of distressed counties to an all-time low as the Lee Administration focuses on targeted interventions for workforce development and infrastructure.
“Early on, we set a goal that we would have less than 10 distressed counties by 2025,” said Governor Lee. “By focusing on workforce development and infrastructure improvements, we are down to nine counties and will continue working to get remaining counties on the path to prosperity.”
TWRA’s Annual Beyond BOW Muzzleloader Workshop in Humphreys County set for November 12th-14th
October 10, 2021
Nashville, TN – The 2021 Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Muzzleloader Workshop will be sponsored by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency November 12th-14th, 2021 in Humphreys County.
Female hunters 18 and older will have the opportunity to learn about hunting deer during the weekend.
The workshop will be held at Buffalo Ridge Refuge, which incorporates a variety of wildlife management practices and totals more than 2,000 acres of prime deer habitat. Along with the hunts, a variety of topics including deer biology, deer management, and hunting ethics will be covered.
TWRA announces 2021 Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Muzzleloader Workshop to be held November 12th-14th.
Tennessee Department of Agriculture reminds everyone Debris Burn Permits Required Starting October 15th
October 7, 2021
Nashville, TN – National Fire Prevention Week is observed this week to educate citizens about fire prevention and safety. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry joins the effort to promote fire prevention awareness and reminds citizens that our state is heading into fire season. A debris burn permit is required for leaf and brush piles from October 15th until May 15th each season.
“Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” State Forester David Arnold said. “Thanks to rainfall, our wildfire numbers are low so far this fall. However, it’s always necessary to practice safe debris burning and remember that state permits are required starting next week in areas where local governments do not have established outdoor burning ordinances.”
TWRA announces registration for Free Youth Deer Hunt going on now
October 7, 2021
Nashville, TN – Youth between the ages of 10-16, who are hunter safety certified and who have never harvested a deer, are eligible to win a spot in what has become an annual special hunt.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will host the hunt in conjunction with the opening day of the 2021 Tennessee Young Sportsman Deer Hunt on Saturday, October 30th.
TWRA 2021 Free Youth Deer Hunt Registration Underway
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, FSAG Release Plan to Continue Tennessee’s Economic Recovery
October 7, 2021
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) has released recommendations for federal relief dollars to support the state’s continued economic recovery, including more than $3 billion in investments to further strengthen infrastructure and businesses.
“As Tennessee continues its strong economic recovery, it’s important that we maintain proper stewardship of federal dollars coming to our state,” said Governor Lee. “I thank the members of the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group for their efforts to manage these resources and serve Tennesseans.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
AAA reports Tennessee Gas Price Average Remains Unchanged
October 5, 2021
Nashville, TN – After holding steady for two weeks in a row, the Tennessee gas price average remains relatively unchanged this week with an increase of nearly a penny over last week.
The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.90 which is a penny more expensive than one month ago and 96 cents more than one year ago.
Tennessee remains the 7th least expensive market in nation. (AAA)
Tennessee Department of Health launches second annual Pink and Pearl Campaign this October, November
October 3, 2021
Nashville, TN – While most recognize the color pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October and November marks the second annual Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign promoting both breast and lung cancer awareness.
The addition of the pearl color represents the ribbon for lung cancer awareness, which is observed in November. While breast cancer is the most common cancer in female Tennesseans, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women.
Routine cancer screenings continue to be incredibly important. It is estimated that nationally over 3.9 million breast cancer screenings have been missed due to the pandemic. Providers encourage all eligible individuals to attend routine check-ups, including routine cancer screenings. With fewer screenings, there are fewer diagnoses of breast cancer, which may result in some cancers being diagnosed at later stages with poor prognoses.
“Routine health screenings are an important part in a person’s health care journey,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “With proper screening and interventions, we can save more lives and curb the rising number of breast and lung cancer deaths in our state. The Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign raises awareness of these treatable conditions and reminds us that we all have a role to play – whether it is our own screening or encouraging that of a friend or family member.”
If your financial situation has changed due to COVID-19, you may qualify for free breast cancer screenings through the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBSCP). TBCSP provides breast and cervical screening services to uninsured and underinsured women and diagnostic testing for qualifying men and women. Learn more about the program at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/rwh/tbcsp.html or contact your local health department for more information.
Breast Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The current United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines recommend women begin regular mammogram screenings at the age of 50. Depending on risk factors, some women may need to begin screening at an earlier age.
Lung Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer in adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.
Reducing Disparities
While both breast and lung cancer impact individuals of all races and ethnicities, they are among many diseases that disproportionately affect minority populations. For both types of cancer, black men and women are more likely than their white counterparts to be diagnosed in later stages, and blacks are also more likely to die from these diseases. Data also indicates that black women and men are diagnosed with more aggressive subtypes of these cancers than their white counterparts.
“In both breast and lung cancer, screening often is imperative to an early diagnosis and optimizing the chance of a better prognosis,” said Director of the Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination Monique Anthony, MPH, CHES. “As COVID-19 continues to amplify these inequities on vulnerable populations, including lack of quality care, the availability and cost of diagnostics and follow up care, bias, unfair policies and practices in health care. TDH is committed to reducing disparities and advancing health equity by increasing access to cancer screenings, conducting cancer prevention education and outreach strategies, and encouraging the inclusion of minorities
in clinical trials.”
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It is important to talk to your provider about your risk factors and determine if screening is right for you. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm for breast cancer and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/ for lung cancer.
Pink and Pearl Day
To recognize this campaign, Friday, November 5th will be Pink and Pearl Day. Please support this campaign and bring awareness to both breast and lung cancer by wearing pink and pearl. Pictures posted to social media are appreciated, using the campaign hashtags #TNPinkandPearl and #MyPinkandPearlWhy.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
AAA reports Tennessee Gas Prices remain Steady
September 30, 2021
Clarksville-Montgomery County has the Third Cheapest Gas Prices in Tennessee
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee gas price average held steady for the second week in a row, with minimal pump price fluctuation over the last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average remains $2.89 which is four cents more than one month ago and 97 cents more than one year ago.
“Consumers should see the usual autumn relief at the pump,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
Tennessee is the 7th least expensive market in the nation. (AAA)
Tennessee Department of Human Services Making Childcare Easier to Find, More Affordable
September 29, 2021
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is announcing additional steps to help parents navigate the balance of raising a family and holding down a job. Beginning October 1st, 2021, TDHS will increase child care payment assistance rates by 10% across all categories of care in the Child Care Certificate Program.
Under this program, the state pays a reimbursement rate directly to child care providers on behalf of families who are enrolled and meet the income and work or education requirements of the program. This overall rate increase will save many participating families money by reducing the portion they have to pay to cover tuition expenses.
New Investments Part of a Larger Goal to Support Working Parents Who Depend on Quality Childcare
Additionally, this rate increase will provide financial support to child care providers who may be recovering from financial losses during the pandemic. This additional income for child care providers and will help providers stay open and remain available to serve families in their communities that need quality care for their children.
“Many child care providers have continuously and consistently served families throughout the pandemic, enabling parents to work and children to continue their critical early learning,” said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. “This rate increase will create incentives to grow the child care industry and remove some of the barriers that make it challenging for parents to enter the workforce and support their families.”
Beginning October 1st, 2021, TDHS will also begin providing additional assistance to child care agencies who care for children identified with disabilities or special needs. A 15% rate bonus will be applied to each qualifying child that participates in the Child Care Certificate Program. In addition to the 15% bonus, the Department is partnering with the Child Care Resource and Referral Network to establish a team of Inclusion Quality Coaches to promote inclusive early childhood environments.
These investments are the latest in a series of moves to support and expand child care in Tennessee. In recent years TDHS has offered Enhancement and COVID Relief grants, established a WAGE$ program to raise salaries, and created a bonus for providers operating in communities that don’t have an adequate supply of child care providers.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is dedicated to making our state a place where all Tennesseans can move beyond the barriers they may face, to self-sufficiency, and on to new heights
