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 […]
Five In Five, An Interview With Jefferson County Finance Director Langdon Potts
Budget Season is in full swing and Jefferson County Director of Finance, Langdon Potts, is front and center in the budgeting process. The Jefferson County Post caught up with Director Potts for a Five in Five interview about how the proposed fiscal year 2017/2018 budget is shaping up and what tax payers may be able […]
She Said, He Said: Jobs in Jefferson County
The following is the fifth entry in “She Said, He Said,” a new series of articles seeking to compare and contrast the various views, political, social or otherwise, of Millennials in today’s world. Elizabeth Lane is a 2016 Carson-Newman University graduate with a BA in Creative Writing, and has worked at the Jefferson County Post […]
Early Life Secondhand Smoke Exposure May Have An Effect On Food Allergy Development
Secondhand smoke exposure is a well-established risk factor for asthma, but it may also have surprising effects in the development of diseases outside of the respiratory system. In the first study of its kind, researchers in Sweden investigated the link between early life secondhand smoke exposure and pediatric food-related symptoms. The findings were presented at […]
Bill Aimed At Safeguarding Personal Information Of Tennessee Tourists Moves Forward
On Monday, lawmakers unanimously approved legislation that safeguards the personal information of Tennessee tourists who visit state parks by restricting access to the personal information of park guests. Under current law, Tennessee state parks must disclose personal information of its guests when it receives a public records request, because there is no exemption protecting this […]
Wrong-way asteroid plays ‘chicken’ with Jupiter
For at least a million years, an asteroid orbiting the “wrong” way around the sun has been playing a cosmic game of chicken with giant Jupiter and with about 6,000 other asteroids sharing the giant planet’s space, says a report published in the latest issue of Nature. The asteroid, nicknamed Bee-Zed, is the only one in […]
Happy April Fool’s Day!
Watch out and beware of all phone calls, social media posts, and advertisements. Today is Saturday April 1, 2017, also known as April Fool’s Day. This is the day when pranksters rejoice and tomfoolery is rampant, so be on alert. How did this holiday get started in the first place? The origin of April Fool’s […]
House Republicans Pass Legislation Strengthening Tennessee Campaign Finance Laws
The full House passed legislation this week to strengthen Tennessee campaign finance laws, with House Republicans leading the charge to require funds donated to a campaign be deposited and maintained in a traditional bank or credit union account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Current statute allows campaign funds to be invested in […]
Legislation Stiffens Penalties Against Felons With Firearms
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved major legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) yesterday to enact tougher sentences for violent felons in possession of firearms. The legislation continues Norris’ series of anti-crime laws dubbed “Crooks with Guns” passed over the last decade to curb gun-related violence and focus resources on keeping violent criminals […]
House Approves Legislation Protecting Identities Of Minors In Crime Situations
Earlier this month, House lawmakers unanimously approved legislation designed to protect the identities of Tennessee minors who fall victim to crimes, especially those that are sexual in nature. House Bill 344 protects the identities of minors in a crime situation, unless a court waives confidentiality at the request of the victim’s parent or legal guardian. […]
State Senators Approve Bills Aiding the Families of Law Enforcement Officers and Emergency Responders Who Are Killed in the Line of Duty
The Senate State and Local Government Committee approved two bills this week aiding the families of law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty. Senate Bill 1059, sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), calls for a $250,000 death benefit from the State of Tennessee for any firefighter, volunteer rescue worker, or law […]
Broadband Accessibility Act Clears Additional Key Legislative Hurdle
House Bill 529, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act, cleared an additional key legislative hurdle this week after gaining unanimous approval from the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee. As introduced, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act seeks to expand broadband internet services across the state, especially to Tennessee’s rural areas that currently completely lack coverage. Tennessee […]
