Historic Jefferson County Courthouse Beautification
The Dandridge Community Trust held their dedication ceremony for the beautification project at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse on Thursday, August 6, 2015. Several local officials and residents lined the front steps of the Historic Courthouse to view the cosmetic improvements that were donated by Dandridge Community Trust. Among those present and speaking at the […]
Happy Birthday, White Pine!
White Pine celebrated its 100th birthday on Saturday, August 8, 2015. Officials closed down the streets in the city proper for a festival that boasted music, food, arts and crafts, antique cars and, of course, the history of White Pine. It was a party fit for a centennial celebration, with residents and visitors coming out […]
Powwow at Patriot Academy
The Patriot Academy was alive with music, art and diversity on Saturday, August 8, 2015, as the Spirit of the Nation’s Powwow brought their event to Jefferson County. Sponsored by Indian Creek Productions Inc. of Jefferson County, the festival featured Native American music, arts and crafts, storytelling and lectures. The theme for this year’s event […]
UPDATE: Electrical Voltage Monitors will be Installed on Cherokee Reservoir
Voltage monitors will be installed on Cherokee Reservoir to collect data during the next two weeks that investigators hope reveal more details about the possible cause of low-voltage electricity discovered in the lake. In July, a team comprised of the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office, Tennessee Valley Authority and Appalachian Electric Cooperative began examining this […]
Jefferson County High School Receives Accolade for Progress
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced 170 schools as the 2014-15 Reward Schools, the top 5 percent of schools in the state for academic achievement and the top 5 percent for annual growth. The Reward Schools span 59 districts across Tennessee and include 93 schools that serve mostly economically disadvantaged populations. […]
Rush Strong Still Battling Sewage Issues
After three months of summer vacation and extensive work that included consultation with local experts, students and teachers will return to a familiar, if improved, problem at Rush Strong School. Last spring information came to the forefront that indicated environmental violations regarding the sewage treatment plant at the school, with findings that were concerning to […]
Case Against Gunn Pushed Back Until August
A Jefferson County woman accused of one count of Election Law Violation of Campaign Communications will have to wait a little longer for her day in court. Clarice Albright Gunn was charged with the Class C Misdemeanor late this spring for actions that allegedly occurred during the election campaign in August of 2014. Gunn was […]
Jefferson County Fair: Just Around the Corner
In just a few short weeks, the Jefferson County Fair grounds will be transformed into a runway of lights, as the thrills the carnival rides return to Jefferson County. While some come for the view from the ferris wheel or the twists and turns of some of the more breathtaking adventures, many come looking for […]
School Calendar-Supply List and Hints as New School Year Approaches
It is almost that time of year again! Though the weather screams the dog days of summer, the calendar reads that it is almost time for students to head back to school in Jefferson County. Principals and Supervisors have started the daily grind and in just a couple of short weeks, teachers and students will […]
Environmental Director’s Salary Still a Sticking Point
The Jefferson County Commission met for their first regular voting meeting for the fiscal year 2015/2016 on Monday evening, July 20, 2015 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Nineteen Commissioners were in attendance for the July session ( Baxley, Tabor absent). Commission Chairman Carmichael called the meeting to order and with a motion from Commissioner […]
Williams Named Veteran Service Officer
The Jefferson County Commission hired a new Veterans Service Officer on Monday evening. Personnel Committee Chairman Turner brought the Committee’s recommendation of Timothy C. Williams before the full body for approval during the regular voting meeting. The recommendation came following narrowing of the applicant field on Friday and interviews of the Committee’s top three candidates […]
Ghosts Of Budget Past Haunt Meeting
Though the new fiscal year has begun, the Work Session of the Jefferson County Commission was still largely dealing with business left over from the prior fiscal year that ended on June 30th. Discussion largely centered around past statements by elected officials during the prior budgeting process and the accuracy of those statements. Budget Committee […]
Hybrid Plan Could Be On The Horizon
The Jefferson County Budget Committee met for the first time in the fiscal year 2015/2016. Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett and Jefferson County Finance Director Potts brought General Fund 101-Amendment 1 before the Committee for vote. The amendment listed three items-a $550 line item transfer in data processing supplies for the Election Commission-a line item adjustment […]
Accident Shuts Down Interstate
Travelers on both East and Westbound I-40 found themselves in a traffic quagmire on Monday morning following a traffic accident that effectively shut down the Interstate between Jefferson County and Sevier County. According to information provided by Tennessee Department of Transportation, the incidents are not expected to be cleared until around 2pm, leaving travelers stranded […]
Same Sex Marriage in Jefferson County?
While many counties in Tennessee and across the nation are embroiled in a do we or don’t we debate regarding the June 26, 2015 Supreme Court decision to allow same sex marriage, the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office has yet to see their first gay couple seeking a marriage license. Frank Herndon, Jefferson County Court Clerk, […]
Probably Not This Year
After several years of debate, it appears that residents who travel across the “green bridge” which connects Dandridge to Chestnut Hill will have to wait a little bit longer for construction to start on a new, wider bridge. Though it was planned to have bids go out earlier this summer and for construction to begin […]
