Leaf Report: See Them Before They Fall!
October is a beautiful time to be in East Tennessee. Color can now be found most anywhere, though the tips of the Smoky Mountains, which are the first to change, are rapidly losing their foliage. Now is the valley’s time to shine and it certainly has some bright color popping out. A drive through the […]
State Representative Jeremy Faison, Department Of Transportation Update Constituents On Federal Highway Trust Fund
State Representative Jeremy Faison (R–Cosby) joined with the Tennessee Department of Transportation earlier this week to give an update on the current status of the Federal Highway Trust Fund and its effect on community road projects across the state. According to the Department, federal funding for state transportation projects continues to move sluggishly, with revenues in […]
Be Safe This Halloween!
Well over 40 million trick or treaters are expected to out this year, dressed to bewitch and looking for candy. Over 115 million homes, churches and businesses in the United States will be welcoming them and doling out candy. Even the White House gets into the action, hosting an annual Halloween celebration for lucky children. […]
Making Government Work for East Tennesseeans
For far too long, government waste and inefficiency has created oceans of red ink. Whether it’s partisanship in Congress, a huge overhaul of our health care system that’s not working or runaway spending, Americans have rightfully lost faith in their government. When traveling around the First District, I hear from many East Tennesseans who are […]
Local Winemaker Celebrates 30th Harvest Season
The Master Winemaker for the Rocky Top Wine Trail has been harvesting Tennessee grapes since before he could even drive a car. With the conclusion of this harvest season this week, Doug Seitz will have successfully completed his 30th grape harvest and wine vintage! Just in 2014 alone, Doug and his winemaking staff of five […]
School Board To Ask For $2,452,845 For Building 8
The Jefferson County School Board met for a Called Meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the Patriot Academy. Chairman of the Board Jarnigan called the meeting to order. Absent from Roll Call was Board Member Lowery. Concerned parents from Jefferson Elementary PTO addressed the Board concerning head lice issues at their school. Director of […]
A Temporary Travel Ban Can Help Combat Ebola
Last week, the American people learned that two nurses who had treated the United States’ index Ebola patient also had contracted the virus, and more worrisome, learned that one of the nurses had traveled on a commercial airliner. It understandably heightened concern more Americans were at risk of contracting this extremely deadly virus, and it […]
Early Voting in Tennessee Eclipses 200,000
More than 200,000 Tennesseans have taken advantage of the opportunity to vote early for the Nov. 4 elections. Others are encouraged to do so before the early voting period closes Oct. 30. Through the first seven days of early voting, 224,721 people across the state have taken advantage of the opportunity to cast their ballots early. People can […]
School Board Searching for Available Funding for Building 8 – Approves Sending Employee Bonus to County Commission
The Jefferson County School Board held their Regular Voting Meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2014 in the Patriot Academy. Chairman Jarnigan Called the Meeting to Order. All School Board Members were present for Roll Call. The Agenda was Approved, with a Motion from Board Member Vines and 2nd from Board Member Cavanah, following additions of […]
TDH Announces Ebola Resources For Tennesseans
The Tennessee Department of Health announced today three new Ebola resources for Tennesseans: Tennesseans with questions about the disease may call a toll-free number to obtain accurate, timely information: 1-877-857-2945. This number is now open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours for the information line will be increased in length and will […]
Tennessee Highway Patrol Urges Motorists to Watch Out for Deer
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) urges motorists to exercise caution on the roadways this time of year due to deer-mating and -hunting season. Last year, two people were killed in traffic crashes involving deer on state roadways. “The fall season is the most active time of year for deer-related crashes. We want to remind drivers […]
Commission Nixes Quarterly Meetings
The Jefferson County Commission met for their regular voting session on Monday, October 20, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Carmichael. Commissioner Solomon was absent from Roll Call. Chairman Carmichael asked for corrections and approval of the agenda. A motion was made by Commissioner Scarlett […]
Budget Committee Sends Employee Bonus To Full Commission
The Jefferson County Budget Committee met on Monday, October 20, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett Called the Meeting to Order. Sitting in for Committee Member Solomon was Commissioner Tim Seals. The Minutes for July and October were Approved with a Motion from Committee Member Musick and 2nd from Committee […]
David Clark Jones Announces Re-Election Campaign for Dandridge City Council
David Jones is an eighth generation Jefferson County resident and except for two years in Nashville has always lived in or within three miles of Dandridge. Active in Dandridge city government since 1978, Jones has served intermittently as an alderman along with two terms as mayor of the town. He currently serves as an alderman. […]
Here Or Not? – TDH & Haslam’s Office Refuse To Tell
The Tennessee Department of Health has declined to identify the county of residence of two individuals that have contracted the Enterovirus D68, a virus that has struck more than 700 and has been confirmed as the cause of death in at least two cases and is suspected in others. Severe symptoms result in respiratory stress […]
Jefferson County Debt Per Capita Well Exceeds National Benchmark
Jefferson County’s current outstanding debt is nearly $83 million dollars, according to information provided by Jefferson County Finance Director Helton and the County’s outside Financial Advisor, Scott Gibson of Cumberland Securities. Payments from the Debt Service account are expected to be slightly more than $7 in 2015 but will take a leap to the $8 […]
