Haslam Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for Five Counties
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today sent a request to President Barack Obama to expedite a major disaster declaration for five Tennessee counties in order to get needed federal assistance to aid in recovery from wildfires and severe storms. The counties included in Haslam’s declaration request are Coffee, McMinn, Polk, Sequatchie and Sevier. “My goal is […]
CMS Approves Tennessee Request to Extend Open Enrollment for Fire and Tornado Victims
The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability announced today that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted the Commission’s request to have a Special Enrollment Period to assist those Medicare beneficiaries affected by the recent wildfires and tornadoes in East Tennessee. The regular Open Enrollment Period for Medicare enrollees to select their […]
Christmas Trees Suffering in Wake of Drought
Christmas trees are a magical part of any family’s holiday traditions. However, with the recent drought some families may be crying “bah, hum bug,” at their chance for a real Christmas tree. It is no secret that the lack of rain late last month put the pressure on local farmers, but the drought is also […]
TBI Arrests, Charges 2 Juveniles in Ongoing Investigation of Sevier County Wildfires
An investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, National Park Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in charges being placed against two people in connection with the deadly wildfires in Sevier County. Last week, at the request of 4th District Attorney General […]
Field Position May Impact Blood Pressure in Football Players
Football at the college-level is associated with increased blood pressure and changes in size, shape, structure and function of the heart, especially among linemen, according to a new study published today in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. The study aimed to validate prior observations that football participation led to an increase in blood pressure and an enlarged heart […]
The History of the Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are a must-have decorating point for any family celebration around the holiday. Many of us have fond memories decorating, singing around, and shaking up presents under our Christmas trees. The awe of the Christmas tree continues to warm the hearts of millions around the holiday season. Have you ever wondered why we decorate […]
Tennessine Passes Review Period, Now Permanent Name for Element 117
It’s official: Tennessee now has a certified spot on the periodic table. Researchers announced that Tennessine had been submitted in June as the name for what was known as element 117 in a nod to the state of Tennessee for the efforts from three of its powerhouse research institutions in the discovery. It will carry the […]
UT Professor Develops Algorithm to Improve Online Mapping of Disaster Areas
When an 8-magnitude earthquake struck Yingjie Hu’s home province of Sichuan, China, in 2008, he was more than 1,000 miles away attending college in Shanghai. While Hu wanted to help, there wasn’t much he could do due to the long distance. This situation has been changed in recent years. Thanks to humanitarian organizations, such as […]
TBI Establishes Hotline to Coordinate Missing Persons Reports in Wildfire Response
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline to coordinate reports of missing persons in the areas affected by the recent wildfires in East Tennessee. Those wishing to report missing individuals believed to be in the affected areas of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Wears Valley may contact 1-800-TBI-FIND. Callers should be prepared to relay […]
State Agencies Provide Guidance as Devastating Wildfires Impact Residents
The Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation are urging residents of east Tennessee areas affected by devastating wildfires to protect themselves and their families from smoke. While inhaling smoke may adversely affect anyone, those at greatest risk include the elderly, young children, pregnant women […]
Unemployment & Insurance Claims Fast-Tracked For Wildfire Impacted Employees And Residents
Recent wildfires have destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the greater Gatlinburg area. In an effort to provide relief to those impacted with loss of homes or employment, local members of the Tennessee General Assembly have lobbied the State of Tennessee to quickly process both insurance claims and unemployment claims. With the loss of […]
Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Identity Crimes Unit Encourages You to Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft
The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s (THP) Identity Crimes Unit (ICU) wants to help Tennesseans protect themselves from falling victim to identity theft. Cyber Monday has officially kicked off the online shopping season, so online shoppers are reminded to take precaution when entering your personal information. The ICU has compiled several tips that can help keep online […]
Park Facilities are Closed
Park Facilities are Closed Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed all facilities in the park due to the extensive fire activity, and downed trees. Park Headquarters is currently without power and phone services.
Smoky Mountain Fires Continue To Blanket Area With Smoke And Ash
Park Fire Update · The Chimney 2 fire started on Wed, Nov 23 on the north spire of the Chimney Tops. The fire was first reported at less than 2 acres and grew to 8 acres by Sat (11/26). · A suppression area was established but due to extreme winds sustained at 20 mph and […]
School Board Bumps Capital Projects List and Shifts Funding to White Pine
Action taken by the Jefferson County School Board following push back from the Jefferson County Budget Committee leaves an unfunded Capital Projects Plan and a White Pine renovation project that is short on time and money. Earlier in November, the School Board was informed that the $2.8 million dollars in funding that was earmarked for […]
County Commission Upholds Planning Commission Decision
The Jefferson County Commission met for their Regular Monthly Session preceding the Thanksgiving Holiday break, which will be their last scheduled meeting of the calendar year. Items of business included several resolutions and a contested rezoning request for property off of Highway 139 in Dandridge. With a motion from Commissioner Baxley and 2nd from Commissioner […]
