Jefferson County Declares State of Emergency Due to Water Shortage
Jefferson County, Tennessee — Mayor Mark Potts has declared a State of Emergency immediately in response to a significant water shortage impacting communities across Jefferson County. “The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority,” said Mayor Mark Potts. “This declaration allows us to mobilize resources quickly, coordinate with state and regional partners, […]
Tennessee State Troopers and State Homeland Security Agents to Lead Storm-Related Welfare Checks Across State
TBI Activates 800-TBI-FIND Hotline for Only Third Time in History to Coordinate Disaster-Related Family Reconnection Efforts NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced that Tennessee Highway Patrol State Troopers and State Homeland Security Agents will lead coordinated efforts to conduct welfare checks on Tennesseans who have not been heard from […]
TWRA PARTNERS WITH FRIENDS OF DOUGLAS LAKE TO ENHANCE FISH HABITATS
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has partnered with Friends of Douglas Lake (FODL), a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to improving and sustaining fish populations in Douglas Lake, to enhance fish habitat. FODL is one of more than 150 chapters of the Friends of Reservoirs foundation, which operates in 37 states. Friends of Douglas Lake […]
Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for 2026
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published the “Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2026,” that continues to recommend routine immunization for protection against 18 diseases, including RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, and meningococcal disease. A policy statement describes the schedule, released on Jan. 26, 2026, in AAP Red Book Online, the […]
Consumer Alert: Protect Yourself During Tennessee’s Winter Storm
Severe winter storms have recently impacted communities across Tennessee, leaving many residents facing urgent recovery challenges. The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office urges all consumers to stay vigilant and informed as you navigate insurance claims, home repairs, vehicle purchases, and financial obligations. The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office offers the following consumer tools for those impacted by […]
Tennessee National Guard Supports Winter Storm Response
Soldiers and Airmen with the Tennessee National Guard are supporting state, county, and local emergency responders as they assist Tennesseans affected by the inclement winter weather, which includes snow, ice, and freezing rain, that began on January 23. At the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Guardsmen have been activated to support statewide emergency response and recovery. They are […]
THE JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED FOR WINTER WEATHER
The Jefferson County Health Department is urging everyone to be prepared for dangerous winter weather that is predicted this weekend. It’s important to stay off the roads if possible and have a winter storm kit in your car if you must be on the road; have non-perishable snacks, bottled water, blankets, flashlights and warm clothes. […]
Tennessee Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.6%
NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s unemployment rate held steady in December at 3.6%, eight-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate, according to new data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged from the previous month. The rate was also 3.6% in November. A year ago, […]
Current Activation Status is: Level 3- State of Emergency
The Governor or the Governor’s designee under TCA 58-2-107 may declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation, or by activation of the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan (TEMP). This law allows the Governor to assume direct operational control over all or any part of the emergency management functions within the state. The TEMP […]
County Commission First Meeting of 2026
The Jefferson County Commission held their first meeting of 2026 on January 20th in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Lowe, Norton and Patterson. Public hearings were held on three zoning issues with only Resolution 2026-01 garnering public comment. This resolution concerned property on Harrison Road in White Pine which […]
Mayor Potts – Local Fire & Rescue Departments To Receive $465,000 CDBG Grant for Turn-Out Gear
Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts recently met with the Jefferson County Fire and Rescue Association to announce the the County is the recipient of the Community Development Block Grant. The proceeds from this grant will be spread evenly among the local fire departments and rescue squad for turnout gear. According to Mayor Potts, Jefferson County […]
Harshbarger, Lee Re-Introduce Legislation to Cut Red Tape for Terminally Ill Americans
Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) re-introduced the Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act in the House and Senate respectively, which would remove the burdensome waiting period for terminally ill patients’ access to their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program benefits. Americans who are unable to work due to a terminal illness qualify […]
Carson-Newman nursing graduates celebrate 100% NCLEX pass rate
In their first attempt, 100% of Carson-Newman University’s 2025 nursing graduates passed National Council Licensing Examinations (NCLEX). The test, a mandatory examination for licensure as a registered nurse, is designed in part to assure the public of a nurse’s ability to provide quality care. Dr. Lana Spence, Carson-Newman dean of the College of Health Sciences, […]
Milestone 70 Percent 5-Year Survival Rate for all Cancers Combined; Largest Gains for Advanced and Fatal Cancers
The American Cancer Society (ACS) today released Cancer Statistics, 2026, the organization’s annual report on cancer facts and trends. The new findings show, for the first time, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined reached 70% for people diagnosed during 2015-2021 in the United States. Survival gains since the mid-1990s are especially notable for people diagnosed with more fatal cancers, such as myeloma (from 32% to 62%), liver cancer (7% to 22%), and lung cancer (15% […]
American Academy of Pediatrics Calls for Creating a Child-Friendly Digital World
The AAP offers recommendations for pediatricians, families, digital companies and policy makers to make the digital ecosystem a healthier, safer place for children. ITASCA, IL—Today’s children experience the rapidly expanding digital world even before they can grasp an electronic tablet. Digital media is everywhere, as phones, tablets, TVs, apps, games and interactive assistants are woven […]
End Of Penny Production – Sales and Use Tax Notice
The federal government stopped producing the penny in November 2025. Although pennies remain legal tender, some retailers have started rounding cash transactions to the nickel when necessary. This notice instructs retailers on how to calculate sales tax when customers pay with cash if these transactions are affected by a shortage of pennies. Calculating Sales Tax […]
