Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Applauds Tennessee on the Passage of Lifesaving Legislation
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed into law lifesaving legislation that will require all convicted drunk drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater to use ignition interlocks on their vehicles to prevent future offenses. With the passage of this law, Tennessee becomes the 18th state to pass such legislation and, the total […]
Budget Committee – Motion To Withhold Chamber Funding Until Open Books for Public View Voted Down
The Jefferson County Budget Committee met on Monday, June 3, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman Griffith. Absent from Roll Call were Committee Members Blevins and Cureton. Commissioner Turner sat in for Cureton. Two citizens addressed the Committee regarding public funds directed to the Jefferson County […]
Lease Language Hanging Point On Parrott-Wood Library
The Facilities Committee met on Monday evening, June 3, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Information regarding a lease agreement between County and the Parrott Family, who own the property that houses the Parrott-Wood Library in Strawberry Plains, was presented to the Committee. In a previous meeting, the agreement had been approved by the […]
Taking Politics Out of Student Loans
We live in the greatest country in the world – a country where we’re free to choose our own career path. Everyone, no matter what their background, is afforded the opportunity to pursue higher education. We have a responsibility to ensure that college is not only accessible, but affordable for all students – including those […]
Summer Finally Here
After months of waiting, warm weather has finally come to the area and it is time to enjoy all the wonderful things that summertime brings. We are looking for photos that depict summer 2013, whatever that means to you and your family-maybe it is a great vacation or perhaps it is time on the front […]
Roadblocks Up Ahead?
Tennessee Department of Transportation has released information on road situations that could impact travel in Jefferson County and surrounding areas. Reported areas of concern are I-40 East and West between Mile Markers 410 and 416. Motorists should look for slow traffic and possible lane closures between the hours of 8pm and 6am, while resurfacing work […]
Budget Issues Facing Jefferson County
Though the Jefferson County Budget Committee is currently working on the budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, there are still pressing financial issues that are a part of the current financial picture. Recently, the Department of Education submitted a request for a budget amendment that would allow the movement of $370,624 from the School System […]
High School Renovations Under Way
After years of decline and debate, Jefferson County High School Main Campus is in the beginning stages of renovation. The 30 year old flagship school will receive a $24 million dollar revamp and the start date for the project has finally arrived. Faculty and Staff at JCHS spent the last days of school preparing for […]
Local Attorneys To Represent Daughter of White Pine Murder Victim
Two local attorneys are representing the daughter of a man who was murdered prior to a motel fire in White Pine, Tennessee. P. Richard Talley and Jill Talley have been retained by Kimberly Ann Jarvis, the daughter of Eddie Taylor White. On June 30, 2012, White was found dead in the lobby of the Crown […]
Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees Issue Financial Review of the Programs
According to a release from the United States Department of the Treasurey, Social Security’s retirement and disability programs have dedicated resources sufficient to cover benefits for the next 20 years, until 2033. After 2033, it is expected that the income from the dedicated payroll tax will be sufficient to finance about three quarters of scheduled […]
What Does It Mean To Be “Organic”
With larger populations and more mouths to feed, the popularity of genetically modified crops (GMO foods) has increased drastically in recent years. These foods have had their DNA altered to produce larger and faster growing crops. Along with the increased popularity of GMO’s, there has also been a rise in the number of people considering […]
Dollar General Foundation Grant to Help Support Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission’s Mission
The Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission received a $15,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation this month to support the Commission’s mission of increasing Tennesseans’ knowledge of money management and related issues. The commission is a nonprofit organization, created by the Tennessee General Assembly and administered by the Tennessee Treasury Department. The commission plans to […]
USDA Announces Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Deadline June 7, 2013 for 2011 Crop Losses
Farm Service Agency County Executive Director, James L. Giffin announced today the sign-up period for the 2011 crop year Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program opened Oct. 22, 2012. The SURE program is part of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). Under the 2008 Farm Bill, SURE authorizes assistance to farmers […]
Weekly Crop Comments, May 31, 2013
Overview Wheat, soybeans, and corn were up and cotton was down for the week. Planting / weather concerns continue to play a key role in the markets. Corn planting has improved dramatically the past two weeks however planting concerns continue in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Concern over planting delays has also become prevalent with […]
Weekly Livestock Comments, May 31, 2013
FED CATTLE: Fed cattle sold mainly steady to firm compared to last week on a live basis. Prices on a live basis were primarily $124 to $125 while dressed prices were primarily $199 to $200 on limited trade. The 5-area weighted average prices thru Thursday were $124.81 live, up $0.36 from last week and $199.06 […]
Trapping Gets Underway for Tree Pest Across Tennessee
Purple three-sided insect traps that resemble a box kite can be seen in ash trees across Tennessee in the next few months as part of a surveillance program by state and federal agencies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA, APHIS) and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) are partnering […]
