When The Race Begins, Who Will Have The Right Stuff?

2014 will, once again, be an election year in Jefferson County. Local offices that will be placed in one of the three elections that take place in May, August and November of next year include the office of the Jefferson County Mayor, the Jefferson County Sheriff, as well as several other elected offices. In addition, […]
State Representatives Andrew Farmer and Jeremy Faison Announce Town Hall Meeting, December 10, 2013
State Representatives Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) and Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) announced today they will be holding a town hall meeting in Jefferson County on Tuesday, December 10th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will provide an opportunity for the citizens of Jefferson County and surrounding areas […]
Venomous Snakes Seized By TWRA, Charges Filed

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Officers have seized numerous venomous snakes from a LaFollette pastor after an investigation Thursday morning. Officers received information that Andrew Hamblin, pastor of the Tabernacle Church of God in LaFollette, was illegally possessing venomous snakes. Two TWRA Officers visited Hamblin’s home this morning to inquire about the snakes and Hamblin admitted […]
Operation Dry Water 2013 results National awareness and enforcement campaign impacts boating under the influence

Operation Dry Water, the nation’s annual boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign, has shown a significant impact in addressing the issue of drunk boating. Across the country, 6,219 law enforcement officers from 513 local, state and federal agencies joined forces for this year’s Operation Dry Water Campaign.Launched in 2009 by the National Association […]
What If It Happened? – Emergency Personnel Participate in Mock Mass Casualty Exercises

Jefferson Memorial Hospital along with 54 other east Tennessee hospitals participated in a Regional Disaster Mass Casualty exercise Wednesday morning, November 6, 2013. EMA, EMS, doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff members took part in the mock mass casualty event. During this scenario the mass casualty incident occurred at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. High school […]
Parrott-Wood Library to receive $5,000 state grant

State Representative Andrew Farmer has received confirmation from Secretary of State Tre Hargett that Parrott-Wood library in the Strawberry Plains community will be awarded a grant of $5,000.00 to be used for their current expansion project. Representative Farmer and Senator Frank Niceley, both representing the Strawberry Plains community in the Tennessee General Assembly, along with […]
USDA Farm Service Agency Urges Farmers and Ranchers to Vote in County Committee Elections Beginning Monday, Nov. 4

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia announced that the 2013 FSA County Committee Elections begin today, Nov. 4, with the mailing of ballots to eligible voters. The deadline to return the ballots to local FSA offices is Dec. 2, 2013. “The role and input of our county committee members is more vital […]
Haslam Announces Grant For Walters State Community College

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced a grant of $337,297 for Walters State Community College to fund needed equipment for an industrial skills and training program and an advanced welding program. The governor proposed and the General Assembly approved $16.5 million in this year’s budget for equipment and technology related to workforce development programs at […]
Peak Leaf Colors in East Tennessee

Jefferson County is entering its peak leaf weeks, with orange, yellow and red leaves marking the local landscape. Those that are looking for great color should stick to the mid to lower elevations, as the higher elevations passed their peak in color last week. Local looking for a variety of color can find it in […]
Carson-Newman University’s Hunger Games to benefit nine area charities
Now in its third installment, Carson-Newman University’s high-energy Hunger Games has grown to support nine charities in East Tennessee. Wilderness survival, Nerf battles, and fundraising collide during this unique event held the weekend of Nov. 15, extending through Sunday, Nov 17. The fundraiser coincides with the popular movie franchise’s opening of “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” […]
Corker Cosponsors Bill to Give Americans Freedom to Keep Their Current Health Care Plans

U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., today announced that he is a cosponsor of S. 1617, the If You Like Your Health Care Plan You Can Keep It Act. The bill, introduced by Senator Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and cosponsored by 37 Republican senators, would provide relief from Obamacare standards for current health care policies, giving Americans […]
TWRA Announces Availability of Riparian Tree Planting Grants for Fiscal Year 2014

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announces the availability of grant dollars to assist cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, and conservation groups, etc., with riparian tree planting projects. All seedlings must be bought through the Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry. Tree planting season in Tennessee is October through March. Five grants, at […]
Carson-Newman Univ. helps lead in energy program

Carson-Newman University is partnering with local power distributor Appalachian Electric Cooperative to be the first to launch the “Demand Response Program,” an initiative that will shed power on campus during peak power usage. According to Ondes Webster, Carson-Newman director of physical plant and construction manager, the power shedding provides a huge savings in energy costs […]
Threatening Weather No Obstacle For Jefferson County Trick-or-Treaters

High winds and a little rain did not dampen the Halloween spirit as trick-or-treaters made the rounds last Thursday evening. Several churches hosted trunk-or treat events and the Jefferson County Rescue Squad offered local children a safe option for a fun holiday. The Historic Town Square in Dandridge was filled with ghosts and goblins, as […]
Fraud Awareness Week Casts Spotlight on White Collar Crime

Organizations lose an estimated 5 percent of their annual revenues to fraud, according to a 2012 study by the ACFE. To help shine a spotlight on this global problem, the Tennessee Treasury Department is participating in International Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 3-9, 2013, as an official supporter to promote anti-fraud awareness and prevention. During Fraud […]