AG Skrmetti Leads State AG Response to U.S. Department of Education’s Proposed Regulations; Redefinition of “Sex”
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti today objected to the U.S. Department of Education’s (the Department) proposed Title IX regulations in a formal comment letter joined by nineteen other state attorneys general. Title IX of the Education Amendment protects people from discrimination based on sex and applies to schools, local and state educational agencies, and other institutions […]
Tennessee’s Unemployment Rate Inches Up Slightly in August
After three consecutive months of steady, near record low unemployment across the state, Tennessee’s jobless rate inched up slightly in August, according to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the month is 3.4%, up just 0.1 of a percentage point from July’s rate of 3.3%. The all-time low […]
VITAL POLICY – Bidding Irregularities Uncovered Concerning Jefferson County Schools Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Training Contract
Jefferson County Schools (JCS) started a contractual business relationship with and made payments to a Texas based vendor to deliver Social Emotional Learning (SEL) staff training fourteen months before bids were advertised for the purchase of that service. State and Federal Laws require formal bidding on certain purchases made by government entities to ensure that […]
Constitution Week Begins September 17 In Downtown Dandridge
On September 17 two hundred thirty-five years ago, 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution at the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall). This year that event will be commemorated in Dandridge with a celebration organized by the Martha Dandridge Washington Chapter (MDW), National Society, Daughters of […]
School Board First Meet After Election
The Jefferson County School Board convened last week for their first meeting following the seating of newly elected members Ibbetson and Cameron and re-seating of members Bradley and Jarnigan. Following the Call to Order, Jefferson County Director of Schools Arnold opened the floor for nominations for the position of Chairman of the Board. Board Member […]
VITAL POLICY – Citizen Activism, Public Policy, Education, and County Debt Discussed at Jefferson County Republican Town Hall Meeting
Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-District 1) led the pack of speakers and presenters. State Representatives Jeremy Faison (TN-District 11) and Andrew Farmer (TN-District 17) visited with constituents and listened to views expressed by the party membership with the open mic format. Following Harshbarger’s presentation, Josh Cameron, JCRP Treasurer, presented the congresswoman with a donation check from […]
AEC is Awarded Multi-Million Dollar Broadband Grant from the State of Tennessee
The State of Tennessee awarded Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC) with a broadband grant for a total $8,631,244.48 as part of the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund-American Rescue Plan (TEBF-ARP). AEC will receive funding throughout and upon completion of the project. AEC General Manager Greg Williams states, “We’re very excited about receiving news from the State of […]
Director of Schools, Tommy Arnold – Exciting to see hard work pay off
Director of Schools, Tommy Arnold regarding Reward Schools and District Status We are very proud of the hard work that goes into a school scoring well on the state assessment. It’s truly a team effort of all the stakeholders and we are excited for the three schools being recognized by the state as a Reward […]
Consumer unit expenditures in 2021 were $66,928; a 9.1% decrease from 2020
Average annual expenditures for all consumer units(1) in 2021 were $66,928, a 9.1-percent increase from 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See table A.) During the same period, the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) rose 4.7 percent, and average income before taxes increased 3.7 percent. The average annual expenditures of 2021 were broken […]
Researchers have identified antibodies that may make coronavirus vaccines unnecessary
Tel Aviv University researchers have isolated two antibodies that neutralize all known strains of COVID-19 – including Omicron – with up to 95% efficiency. The researchers: Targeted treatment with antibodies and their delivery to the body in high concentrations may serve as an effective substitute for vaccines, especially for at-risk populations and those with weakened […]
Elected Officials Take Oath Of Office
On September 1, 2022 the elected officials of Jefferson County were sworn in via ceremony at the Historic Courthouse in Downtown Dandridge and conducted by Judge Duane Slone and Judge Will Roach III.
Applications Available for 2022-2023 Agricultural Enhancement Program
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announces the application dates for this year’s Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) cost share program are Oct. 1-7, 2022. Producers fulfill requirements to defray the costs of strategic investments in their operations. The goal is to increase profitability and efficiency while promoting long-term investments in Tennessee’s agriculture. “Agriculture plays […]
State and Federal Fire Assistance Grant Opportunities Now Available
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry provides communities, groups, and organizations with technical and financial assistance. This year, the division is offering two direct grant programs through the state and is promoting a new federal program. State programs include the Volunteer Fire Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants. The United States Department of […]
Tennessee Tourism Outperforms the Nation With Record $24 Billion in Domestic Travel Spending in 2021
Tennessee tourism generated $24.2 billion in domestic and international travel spending in 2021, according to recently released economic impact data from U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. It also marks the largest visitor spending nationally in Tennessee’s history. Travelers in Tennessee spend an estimated $66 million per day. Travel in Tennessee generated $1.9 billion in […]
UPDATE – Found Safe – Christina “Dee Dee” Strange Ivy
UPDATE: Christina “Dee Dee” Strange Ivy has been located and is safe. Investigators are currently searching for 47-year-old Christina “Dee Dee” Strange Ivy. On Saturday, she notified an acquaintance that her vehicle had broken down in south Morristown. When the individual arrived, Ms. Ivy was gone. Ms. Ivy was seen at a local business on […]
FDA Removes N95 Respirators from Medical Device Shortage List, Signaling Sufficient Supply
U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the removal of N95 respirators from the agency’s medical device shortage list, signaling that demand or projected demand for this type of face protection device commonly used in health care settings no longer exceeds the supply. This action is the result of increased domestic manufacturing of N95 respirators, as well as […]
