Tennessee Promise Application Deadline Extended to May 31 Due to Extraordinary FAFSA Issues
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced today the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline for the Tennessee Promise scholarship program will be extended to Friday, May 31. The new deadline provides high school seniors and their families additional time to complete their FAFSA and remain eligible for the state’s tuition-free higher education program. […]
A Heartfelt Thank You to Teachers and Educators
As we celebrate National Teacher Day on May 7, 2024, and observe National Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6-10, 2024, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the dedicated teachers and educators in Jefferson County. Your commitment to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning does not go unnoticed. You are the unsung […]
Kara Campbell of Jefferson Elementary Serves On Tennessee Distinguished Educator Council Financial Literacy Commission
As educators in your community, we see more than concerns in the classroom. We see families struggling to live month to month. We see people going into debt over emergencies because they simply don’t have enough saved to help them recover. Most importantly, we see the stress financial strains put on families. Financial stability begins […]
AAP Offers Resources for Parents on the Many Health Benefits of Immunization for their Babies
Introducing a new baby to your home, whether as a new parent or as part of a growing family, can be challenging. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is helping new parents learn the facts about vaccines with a new, completely free set of video courses for parents. “Having a baby is a wonderful, life-changing event. […]
Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a disease that is highly contagious and often deadly in poultry, caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses; it is also known as bird or avian flu. HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. […]
Tennessee Leads Lawsuit against EEOC’s Illegal Federal Overreach
On Thursday, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, alongside Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, led a coalition of 17 States in suing the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over its new rule mandating workplace abortion accommodations through an illegal interpretation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2022 (PWFA). “Congress passed the bipartisan Pregnant Workers […]
Director of Schools Releases Statement Regarding TN House Bill 1202
Jefferson County, Tennessee Director of Schools – I am releasing the following statement on the below TN House Bill 1202. Once signed into law. Jefferson County Schools will not immediately change any policy or procedure allowing staff to begin carrying a gun this school year. I will have discussions concerning policy and procedure of employees […]
Jefferson County Commission Rejects Proposed Wheel Tax
The Jefferson County Commission faced a crucial decision regarding a proposed wheel tax during its meeting on April 15, 2024. The tax, which had previously contributed approximately 0.08 cents to the budget in past cycles, was up for consideration once again. Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett revived the issue by proposing a $30 wheel tax, stipulating […]
Resurfacing work upcoming on US 129 “The Dragon”
Motorists traveling on US 129 “The Dragon” in Blount County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have an impact on traffic. Beginning on Monday, April 22, crews will begin posting signage and mobilizing equipment for upcoming resurfacing activities between Tabcat Creek and the Tennessee/North Carolina state line on US 129 “The […]
Tennessee Unemployment Numbers Trend Down in March
NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate dropped for the second consecutive month in March, according to new data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The seasonally adjusted rate for the month came in at 3.2%, 0.1 of a percentage point lower than February’s rate of 3.3%. Tennessee’s all-time low unemployment rate is 3.1%, which […]
TN AG Skrmetti Joins Coalition Demanding EPA End Its Racially Discriminatory Practices
On Tuesday, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti joined a 23-state coalition demanding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) modify existing regulations in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These regulations consider “disparate impacts” to forward race-conscious “environmental justice” initiatives. “Federal agencies continue to pursue rules that treat people differently based solely on the color of their […]
TDOT Reminds Motorists to Work with Us – Move Over, Slow Down During National Work Zone Awareness Week April 15-19
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is joining states across the nation to ask motorists to Work with Us – move over and slow down for highway workers. TDOT will spread that message statewide during National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 15-19) to improve safety in Tennessee’s interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones. […]
Tennessee’s 2024 Spring Turkey Hunting Season Opens April 13
Tennessee’s statewide spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 13 and continues through Sunday, May 26. According to Roger Shields, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, hunter success may depend on what area of the state you will be hunting. “I think with the early spring we appear to be having, we […]
TDH Investigating Cases of Botulism-Like Illness Following Cosmetic Injections
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and multiple other states to investigate botulism-like illness after reported botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes. Joint investigations have identified concerns about use of counterfeit products or products with unclear origin administered in […]
TDOT Announces West Knoxville Corridor Strategy
To find solutions to congestion issues in and around Knoxville, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced its Comprehensive Strategy for the I-40/I-75 Corridor in Loudon and Knox Counties. TDOT’s 10-Year Plan, released in December, identifies funding for the interchange at I-40 and Watt Road, Improvements to the I-40/I-75 corridor, and preliminary engineering of the […]
