Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning Commission Meeting, Feb 25, 2014

The Jefferson County Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals met in a scheduled meeting on February 25, 2014. The Board of Zoning Appeals was called to order by Terry Reneau and minutes from the last meeting were approved. The Board heard a request from homeowner Deno Belcastro, who was accompanied by Russell Kent. Mr. […]
House Unanimously Passes Data Privacy Bill

A bill designed to better protect the personal information of Tennessee taxpayers unanimously passed the House of Representatives this week in Nashville. The legislation, which has been applauded by pro-privacy groups statewide, requires both current and future state employees who have access to proprietary and personal information of those dealing with state agencies to undergo […]
Traffic Stop Leads To Investigative Breakthrough and Bust

During a stop for a traffic violation for a spray-painted license plate and busted headlight, Officers Sam Cameron and Ransom Douglas, of the Dandridge Police Department, made a methamphetamine bust that also led to the discovery of several items that had been recently stolen in the county. According to Detective Lieutenant Kenneth Lodwick, also of […]
DOE Not Satisfied With Insurance Offer

Jefferson County Department of Education presented School Board Members with a suggested offer from Travelers Insurance regarding a settlement for the roof collapse in Building 8 of Jefferson County High School. Following several months of negotiations, Travelers, who assumes risk above $100,000 for Tennessee Risk Management, offered a final, all inclusive cost of $781,244.66. Tennessee […]
Farmers Market Gears Up For 2014 Season

The Dandridge Farmers Market Meeting was hosted on Thursday, February 20 2014, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the UT Extension office in Dandridge. Guest speaker Anthony Carver, a representative from the Grainger Co. Extension office, spoke of the importance of Food Safety. The food safety standards for small farmers are currently being revised by […]
Cardin, Rubio, Menendez and Corker Urge Greater Freedom of the Press in China

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, also Subcommittee Ranking Member Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Ranking Member Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) have introduced a Senate Resolution (S. Res. 361) that urges the People’s Republic of China to take […]
Board Puts Teacher Insurance Concerns To Rest

The Jefferson County School Board met for their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at the Patriot Academy. Chairman of the Board Potts Called the Meeting to Order. Absent from Roll Call was Board Member Rogers. Following the Approval of the Agenda, Board Member Bradley made a Motion to accept the Consent Agenda and […]
‘America Saves Week’ Emphasizes the Value of Putting Money Aside
Did you know that nearly half of Americans don’t have a savings plan with specific goals? Or that about one-third of Americans don’t have enough emergency funds on hand to cover unexpected expenses like car repairs or visits to the doctor? In our modern world, computers and personal electronic devices make it easier all the […]
Signal Light Likely Stalled For Current School Year

Jefferson County will likely have to wait until the 2014-2015 school year to see the benefits of the proposed signal light at the intersection of Highway 92 and Dumplin Valley. The Jefferson County School Board, Jefferson County and the Town of Dandridge have partnered with the Tennessee Department of Transportation in a signal light project […]
Wagley Weighs In On Small Business Outlook

A recent Wells Fargo/ Gallup Poll has pointed to a resurgence in optimism for small business owners in numbers that have not been reported since the third quarter of 2008. Locally, Jefferson County has struggled to find its foothold during the shaky economic years that recently plagued the Nation. In an interview with Garrett Wagley, […]
Davenport Announces Candidacy At Reception

Jefferson County Sheriff’s candidate David Davenport hosted a reception at his home to announce the kick off of his campaign. Davenport welcomed supporters and expressed his appreciation at their dedication to his quest for office. Davenport’s resume includes a stint as former Sheriff of Jefferson County, as well as extensive work with law enforcement on […]
Deadline Passes – Candidates Qualify

The names are in for the May 6, 2014, Jefferson County Primary and, as of noon on February 20, 2014, the time to turn in qualifying paperwork has passed. While many of the candidates for the Republican and Democrat Primary qualified to be on the May ballot several weeks ago, some chose to turn in, […]
Officers Appreciated For Dedication And Service

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was one of the First Responders that were recognized by First Tennessee Bank as Jefferson Countian of the Year at the recent Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce banquet. Jefferson County Sheriff G.W. “Bud” McCoig accepted the award on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office and passed the award to the Officers […]
TEMA Wants Tennesseans to be Ready for Severe Weather

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and National Weather Service (NWS) are asking Tennesseans to make planning and preparing for severe weather a priority during Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week, Feb. 16, to Feb. 22, 2014. “We’ve already experienced multiple rounds of severe winter weather in Tennessee and all indications are we may have an […]
Preparation for Spring Break Should Include Focus on Health Protection

In a few weeks, thousands of students from across Tennessee will arrive at spring break destinations, primed for fun and adventure. How those students plan and prepare for these trips may affect their immediate safety and future health. “One of the biggest concerns for every spring breaker should be protection against skin cancer,” said Tennessee […]
TDH Encourages Women To Take Steps To Prevent Heart Attacks
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is also the number one killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined. More than 14,000 Tennesseans died from heart disease in 2012 including more than 6,700 women. This February during American Heart Month, the Department of Health […]