TN Division of Forestry Monitoring Wildfire Risk
Wildland fire officials with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry are keeping a close eye on weather conditions as the state and region experience a prolonged hot and dry pattern. While the division has not seen an increase in the number of wildfires, nor do indices suggest a high fire danger, the agency […]
Tennessee Graduation Rate Continues to Rise
Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn announced that the graduation rate for the 2018-19 school calendar year was 89.7 percent. Not only is that more than half a percentage point higher than the previous year, but it’s the highest graduation rate on record for Tennessee. That translates into an increase of 183 graduates statewide. Education Commissioner Penny […]
County Commission Approves $11 Million Funding Request
Jefferson County Commissioners met for their Regular Monthly Voting Session on Monday, September 16, 2019 at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Absent at Roll Call were Commissioners Phagan, Blevins and Byrd. Following the call to order, the floor was opened for nomination and election of officers for the County Commission for the 2019/2020 year. By […]
Tips for Managing After School Hours
Part of each school day includes what happens before, and after school. Before and after school care, homework and winding down at the end of the day all play a part in a successful school day. BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL CHILDCARE During early and middle childhood, children need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to […]
Local Lawmakers Announce Technology Grants for Public Libraries in Jefferson County
State Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) and Representatives Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) and Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) announced today that Jefferson County is receiving $7,738 in Technology Grants from the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The lawmakers made the announcement after being notified by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Access to technology is something many of […]
An Ally Worth Fighting For
This August, I had the honor of visiting Israel with a congressional delegation to renew and strengthen the unique friendship between our two countries, to learn more about their culture firsthand, and to advocate for greater economic cooperation in several areas of joint interest. Given the unique friendship between the United States and Israel, this […]
Once in a Harvest Moon
Superstitious folks are getting a double whammy as the full harvest moon happens tonight, Friday the 13th. The Harvest Moon is the full moon that happens closest to the Fall Equinox, and was especially important to farmers during the harvest because it provided extra light to work by during the reaping season. This is an […]
Admission and Scholarship Given to Young Vol Fan
The University of Tennessee is lighting the way for the young Vol fan who made his own UT T-shirt. In recognition of the fourth-grader’s Volunteer spirit, the university has extended an offer of honorary admission for him to join the Class of 2032. In addition, he has been awarded a four-year scholarship covering his tuition […]
Attorney General Slatery Joins Google Bipartisan Multistate Antitrust Investigation
Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III today joined 50 attorneys general in a multistate, bipartisan investigation of tech giant Google’s business practices in accordance with state and federal antitrust laws. The bipartisan coalition announced plans to investigate Google’s overarching control of online advertising markets and search traffic that may have led to anticompetitive behavior […]
TDH Reports Six Cases of Vaping-associated Respiratory Disease
The Tennessee Department of Health has reported six cases of suspected serious respiratory disease among people who use electronic cigarettes or other vaping devices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating a cluster of severe pulmonary disease among people who use e-cigarettes or vape, with 215 cases […]
County Has Healthy Rollover
The Jefferson County Commission met for their regular Work Session on Monday, September 9, 2019 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Beyond familiarizing themselves with the full meeting agenda, the Commission heard from various Department Heads for status updates. Six citizens addressed the Commission with two being from Parrott’s Chapel, one regarding Broadband, one voicing […]
Sen. Niceley Gives Keynote Speech at TSU Small Farm Expo Luncheon to “Celebrate the Success of Our Small Farms”
On Wednesday, State Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) gave a keynote speech at Tennessee State University’s (TSU) Fifteenth Annual Small Farm Expo and Small Farmer of the Year Awards Program luncheon. Small farmers from across Tennessee, county agents, state dignitaries and other officials attended this year’s program themed, “Celebrating the Success of Our Small Farms.” Niceley spoke […]
Picking the Perfect Pumpkin
It’s that time of year when hay bells, scarecrows, and of course pumpkins start donning displays across the area. The search for the perfect pumpkin is easier some years than others. The hot dry weather the area has been experiencing the last couple months may make the effort just a little harder than most years. […]
The Time for Fall Festivals is Here!
The Labor Day holiday has come and gone. Even though the thermometer says otherwise, autumn is just around the corner and the time to start planning to get out and enjoy the harvest is now. There are more than enough diverse opportunities to get out and enjoy the season that many call their favorite time […]
DOE $1.3 Increase in Available General Funds
The Jefferson County Department of Education’s General Fund Balance is around $1.3 million dollars healthier due to funds that were “rolled over” from the 2018/2019 fiscal year. School Board members received the increased balance information at their September Business Meeting held on Thursday evening, September 5, 2019 at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Jefferson County […]
Initial State Findings Point to Clinical Similarities in Illnesses Among People Who Use E-cigarettes
Initial findings from the investigation into serious lung illnesses associated with e-cigarette products point to clinical similarities among those affected. Patients report similar exposures, symptoms and clinical findings and these align with the CDC health advisory released last week. While many of the patients, but not all, reported recent use of THC-containing products, some reported […]
