Happy Easter!
It is the most celebrated day in Christianity besides the birth of Jesus: Easter is today, April 16, 2017. Easter celebrates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead following his crucifixion and death on Good Friday in the Christian faith . The date of Easter is celebrated anywhere from March 22 through April 25. The proximity of […]
Eligible Tennesseans Urged to Submit Claims for Provigil Settlement
On August 5, 2016 Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III announced that Tennessee, along with 48 other states and the District of Columbia, reached a $125 million settlement with Cephalon, Inc. and affiliated companies, now part of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. The settlement ended a multistate investigation into alleged anticompetitive conduct by Cephalon designed to block […]
When it Comes to Reading, Kindergarten is the New First Grade
A new nationwide study has found that children entering first grade in 2013 had significantly better reading skills than similar students had just 12 years earlier. Researchers say this means that in general, children are better readers at a younger age, but the study also revealed where gaps remain — especially in more advanced reading […]
Consumer Alert: IRS Authorizes Four Private Companies to Collect Overdue Federal Taxes
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs reminds residents that beginning April 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plans to use four designated private agencies to collect certain overdue federal tax debts on the government’s behalf. The program was enacted by Congress in December 2015 under Section 32102 of the […]
Surviving the TCAP Season
With the end of the year comes the anticipation of summer for both students and parents. Before the fun in the sun can begin, students around the area must take standardized testing at the end of the school year. For younger students this involves TCAP testing. TCAP testing for students in Jefferson County will be […]
To Save Honey Bees, Human Behavior Must Change
In the search for answers to the complex health problems and colony losses experienced by honey bees in recent years, it may be time for professionals and hobbyists in the beekeeping industry to look in the mirror. In a research essay to be published this week in the Entomological Society of America’s Journal of Economic Entomology, […]
Public Service Committee Passes Torch Back To Fire Chiefs
Fire Department Funding was the topic of discussion as the Jefferson County Public Service Committee met last week at the Patriot Academy. Charged by the Budget Committee with reviewing established areas of service, the possibility of combining stations and bringing back a formula for equitable funding, the Public Service Committee and representatives of most of […]
Tennesseans Celebrate Music and Financial Literacy at the State Capitol
This week, over 100 state leaders from across the state gathered for a reception and dinner at the Tennessee State Capitol to celebrate financial literacy and the work of the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission (TNFLC). Governor Bill Haslam, Speaker Beth Harwell, Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, legislators, business leaders and supporters of the Commission joined […]
Dandridge Facing Fire Dilemma – Town Takes Hard Look At Options
Questions regarding funding for the Dandridge Volunteer Fire Department were the focus of an extended Work Session for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The Town of Dandridge is in the budget process and looking for options regarding fire department funding that might be more palatable in light of equipment upgrades that will be necessary […]
TDH Partners with Coaches to Reduce Violence
Athletic coaches play an influential role in the lives of young athletes and are often in a position to positively influence how their athletes think and behave both on and off the field or court. The Tennessee Department of Health is now partnering with coaches to implement the “Coaching Boys into Men” program as part […]
TDOE Releases Report on New Teacher Landscape, Proposes Recommendations to Strengthen Educator Preparation and District Partnerships
Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced her plans today to strengthen the new teacher pipeline in key areas through additional state support and focus on partnerships between districts and preparation programs. This new work aims to address two key challenges: shortages of educators to teach in certain subject areas and new teacher quality. At an event […]
Tennessee Future Farmers of America State Officers Elected
During the 89th Tennessee FFA State Convention, March 26-29, the 2017-2018 Tennessee FFA State Officer Team was elected to serve the Association. The eight individuals elected are: President, Julia Knaggs, Station Camp; Secretary, Erin Bacon, Jefferson County; West Tennessee Vice President, Allie Jo Shankle, Paris; Middle Tennessee Vice President, Mary Lane Minatra, Eagleville; East Tennessee Vice President, Kenzie Bastian, David […]
Making the Most Out of Your Easter Decorations
Easter is a welcome sign of the spring season for many, and brings family and friends together for a fresh start into new beginnings. If you are entertaining this Easter season, you may be looking for some fresh ideas for your home and table. You might also be a busy parent looking for some creative […]
Organic Farmers Offered Reimbursement for Certification Costs
Tennessee farmers who grow organic crops and have become USDA certified can now qualify for a cost share reimbursement for the expense of their certification. Beginning March 20, 2017, certified organic producers and handlers can apply to USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices for a 75 percent cost share up to a maximum of $750 […]
Representative Phil Roe’s Thoughts on Strengthening the Nation’s Energy Security
This week, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) to roll back the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) misguided, job-killing Clean Power Plan (CPP), a key component of the Obama administration’s war on coal. I was pleased with the president’s action because these regulations have been hugely detrimental to our region’s economy – from southwestern Virginia’s […]
