Diabetes and toothlessness together worsen cognitive decline
Having both diabetes and tooth loss contributes to worse cognitive function and faster cognitive decline in older adults, according to a new study published in a special issue of the Journal of Dental Research focused on aging and oral health. “Our findings underscore the importance of dental care and diabetes management for older adults in reducing the devastating personal […]
TDOE Highlights Reading 360 Family Literacy Events and Community Partnerships
Throughout Tennessee Literacy Month in March, the Tennessee Department of Education is highlighting family literacy events and community engagement opportunities for students and families across Tennessee. These events are in collaboration with community partners committed to helping their areas of the state cultivate a culture of literacy proficiency. Throughout March Literacy Month, as proclaimed by Governor Bill Lee, the department […]
Governor Lee, Commissioner McWhorter Announce OTICS USA, Inc. to Expand Manufacturing Operations in Hamblen County
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and OTICS USA, Inc. officials announced today the company will invest $147 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Morristown, Tennessee. OTICS USA will create 70 new jobs at its U.S. headquarters in Hamblen County through the expansion. As a supplier for […]
General Skrmetti Takes Next Step in Lawsuit against Biden Administration
To prevent a new U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) rule from inflicting substantial financial damage on the American people, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, in partnership with 24 other state attorneys general, took the next step in his previously announced lawsuit against President Biden’s administration by filing a motion for preliminary injunction. The DOL rule […]
Pellet Gun Confiscated From Student at Rush Strong School
Statement from Dr. Tommy Arnold, Jefferson County Director of Schools – Today at 10:39 a lockdown was instituted at Rush Strong School because a student reported seeing a gun in another student’s backpack. Within minutes, administrators and the SRO found the student, as well as the gun; the student was removed from the classroom to […]
U.S. Teen Girls Experiencing Increased Sadness and Violence
New CDC report raises urgency to invest in schools as a vital lifeline to help struggling youth Teen girls are experiencing record high levels of violence, sadness, and suicide risk LGBQ+ teens continue to face extremely high levels of violence and mental health challenges According to new CDC data [9.8 MB, 89 pages] released today, nearly 3 […]
TACN Partners with Vanderbilt University Medical Center as it Expands Service to Tennessee Hospital Systems
The Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN) is excited to announce that Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) will be the first hospital system to join the statewide radio network. This provides the ability for redundant communication capabilities in areas with inadequate service coverage or in the event of a disaster where internet and phone services are […]
Phillip Batts New DOE Transportation and Safety Supervisor
Phillip Batts is a familiar face to many in Jefferson County. He attended school in Jefferson County and is a proud graduate of Jefferson County High School. Phillip is also known to many through his service on the Dandridge Police Department where he was Sergeant over Patrol and a Training Officer before making the move […]
New Market Elementary Students To Move To Rush Strong School For 6th, 7th and 8th Grade
Jefferson County students attending New Market Elementary School will no longer attend middle school at Jefferson Middle School. Action taken earlier this month by the Jefferson County School Board will send students attending New Market Elementary School to Rush Strong School for their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years. Students that are currently attending Jefferson […]
General Skrmetti Joins Coalition in Lawsuit Against US AG Garland, ATF on Pistol Brace Rule
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti joined a 24-state coalition in filing a lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and its director that seeks to enjoin a recently issued final rule governing “Stabilizing Braces,” commonly known as pistol braces. The rule, called Factoring Criteria for Firearms with […]
Consumer Alert: Honda Issues “Do Not Drive” Warning for Some Vehicles Equipped with Takata Airbags
The Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office is warning drivers to heed a new “Do Not Drive” warning from Honda. As of February 3rd, approximately 8,200 Acura and Honda (2001-2003) vehicles equipped with unrepaired Takata Alpha driver side air bag inflators remain on the road. If you own one of […]
New Assistant District Attorney Sworn in for the Fourth Judicial District
Nikolas Kear was recently sworn in at the Cocke County Courthouse as Assistant District Attorney for the Fourth Judicial District by Circuit Court Judge, the Honorable Carter Moore. The fourth district is comprised of Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, and Sevier Counties. Nik is a graduate of Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina and the University of […]
MAYOR MARK POTTS ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURE DURING TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF OFFICES
County Mayor Mark Potts along with the Register of Deeds, Ed Stiner announce that the Jefferson County Register of Deeds and Archives Office will be relocating to the second Floor of the First Horizon Bank building immediately. In order to relocate all items for business operations, the offices will be closed beginning Wednesday, February 8 […]
Conagra recalls nearly 2.6 million pounds of canned meat and poultry
More than 2.5 million pounds of canned meat and poultry have been recalled because of a defect in their packaging that may cause the contents to become contaminated without showing any outward signs of an issue, according to U.S. health officials. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service published an announcement that several types of […]
Shark bites tied for 10-year low in 2022 but spiked in regional hotspots
The number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide decreased last year, tying with 2020 for the fewest number of reported incidents in the last 10 years. According to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File, there were a total of 57 unprovoked bites in 2022, most of which occurred in the United States and Australia. Of […]
Summer Food Service Program Sponsor Application Period Opens for 2023
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is announcing its participation in the 2023 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the opening of this year’s application period. The goal of the Summer Food Service Program is to ensure children 18 and younger, who benefit from meal programs at school, continue to have that same access […]
