Park Remains Accessible During Partial Government Shutdown
During the partial shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Roads and trails that are seasonally open will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services will be limited. The park […]
Body Of Missing Fisherman Recovered From Douglas Lake
The body of a missing fisherman has been recovered from Douglas Lake at Dandridge Access Area in Jefferson Co. TWRA received a call at approximately 1:30 Thursday, December 13, 2018 that a boat was adrift and a fisherman was missing near the boat ramp. Indications were that the victim was either launching or retrieving his boat […]
Holiday Decorations Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Twinkly lights, candles, holiday trees and plants, ornaments and other decorations are an important part of holiday celebrations. Besides being festive and fun, the decorations your family brings out every year can help children feel connected to family traditions. To help make sure your decorations are safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers some tips: […]
Civil Asset Forfeiture Has Courts Weighing Eighth Amendment
Most Americans find it difficult to believe that private property can be seized by law enforcement officials with little process of law and no criminal conviction. Increasingly, business owners, individual citizens, and corporations are learning about civil asset forfeiture, a process in which a relatively low standard of proof is required for a property seizure. […]
JCHS To See Upgrades To Athletic Facilities: DOE, School Board & County Commission Strive For Gender Equity In Sports Programs
Jefferson County High School will soon see upgrades to their athletic facilities thanks to recent action taken by the School Board and the approval of funding from the Jefferson County Commission. For several months, the Jefferson County Department of Education and the Jefferson County School Board have searched for a means to provide equity in […]
Amazon To Dominate Cyber Monday – Support the Smokies while you shop with Amazon Smile
Amazon is predicted to dominate Cyber Monday sales today. As a corporate partner of Great Smoky Mountains Association, Amazon will donate a portion of your online purchases to GSMA when you start shopping on Amazon.com using this LINK.
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the touted by most Americans as their second favorite holiday, following only Christmas. One native bird that might feel differently is the turkey. Though it missed its chance to be the National Bird, losing out to the Bald Eagle, it has found infamy in the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Interestingly, as American consumption of […]
Local Election Results Are In
Jefferson County residents came out in mass during the Governor’s election cycle to make their voices heard voting north of 16,000 in combined voting total. While the bulk of votes were cast during early voting, in excess of six thousand voted Election Day. Strongly contested races on the state and national level drove the unexpected […]
Tennessee State Parks Host Free Hikes the Day After Thanksgiving
Tennessee State Parks will offer free, guided hikes at all 56 state parks the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23. “Tennessee’s state parks are once again offering the opportunity to get outdoors the day after Thanksgiving to engage in healthy, fun activities,” said Brock Hill, deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “It’s […]
TDCI Shares Consumer Tips for Recovering from Severe Weather Damage
Severe weather made its way across the Volunteer State late Monday afternoon and evening and into early Tuesday morning leaving a trail of damage in its wake. As those affected by last night’s storms begin recovery, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is reminding consumers of tips to aid them as they move […]
Take Advantage of Free Support to Quit Smoking during Great American Smokeout
Support can make all the difference for those trying to quit smoking, and Tennesseans trying to move toward a life without tobacco products are not alone. The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, 1-800-QUIT-NOW offers free assistance, resources and counseling to help smokers transition to a smoke-free life. The Tennessee Department of Health urges Tennesseans who want to quit smoking […]
Jefferson County Teacher Haley Ottinger Named To Tennessee Department of Education Inaugural Tennessee Teacher Ambassador Network
Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced today that nine educators have been selected to participate in the inaugural Tennessee Teacher Ambassador Network (TTAN) during the 2018-19 school year. The TTAN is a unique opportunity for teachers to advise and be embedded in the work of the Department of Education without asking them to leave the classroom. […]
Jeff Depew Seeks Re-Election To Dandridge Board Of Mayor And Aldermen
Jeff Depew, of 787 Cherokee Drive, Dandridge, announces his candidacy for the seat of Alderman for the Town of Dandridge. Jeff is currently a member of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, filling out the term for the late David Jones. In his two years as Alderman for the Town of Dandridge, Depew has supported […]
Troubling Questions Concerning Broadband
Several questions remain unanswered concerning the fate of broadband internet service in Jefferson County, Tennessee, namely the time and date at which the citizenry will have full access to affordable, reliable, and competitive internet services. Will the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) award grants to expand internet in Jefferson County as a […]
School Board Looks To Correct Title IV Issues
The Jefferson County School Board met Thursday evening, October 11, 2018 at the Patriot Academy for their Work Session. Prior to the Call to Order, several school officials, along with members of the Board, toured various location around Jefferson County High School hoping to identify the most logical location to implement upgrades to various sports […]