VITAL POLICY – Successful Legislation Creates New Opportunity for Homeschool Athletes in Tennessee, Bill Originated in Jefferson County
Back in 2013, the Tennessee General Assembly created legislation to provide opportunities for homeschool students to participate in public school sports. The intent was to provide all homeschool students with access to organized public-school sports that would not otherwise be available. However, some public-school systems and their attorneys found a legal loophole to exclude some […]
Secretary of State Tre Hargett Urges Tennesseans to Become Poll Workers for Upcoming 2024 Elections
In preparation for the Aug. 1 State and Federal Primaries and the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today urged all Tennesseans meeting eligibility requirements to consider becoming poll workers for the 2024 election cycle. “Poll workers are essential to conducting elections in Tennessee, and I hope all […]
Pressley Berger – JROTC Bronze Medal Winner for 2024
Pressley Berger, a junior at Jefferson County High School, is the recipient of the JROTC Bronze Medal for 2024 awarded by the Martha Dandridge Washington (MDW) Chapter, National Society Daughters of American Revolution (NSDAR). Janet Guyett, regent of Martha Dandridge Washington Chapter, made the presentation at the JROTC awards ceremony on April 30, 2024, for […]
Tennessee Tech named among top graduate schools in the country
Tennessee Tech University’s College of Graduate Studies has been named among the top 250 graduate schools in the nation according to Abound, a college guidance system for degree-seeking adults. Abound’s 2024 rankings also named Tech among the top graduate schools in Tennessee and the top public graduate schools in the nation. The recognition comes as […]
FREE Vessel Examinations this Saturday
The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct free vessel safety examinations on Saturday, May 25, at Swann’s Marina, 2515 Swann’s Marina Road, Dandridge, TN 37725. Coast Guard Auxiliary certified vessel examiners will perform a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) for your boat (personal pleasure craft, only) anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. No […]
No Road Construction Delays for Memorial Day Travelers
Road Construction will not delay motorists as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Friday, May 24 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel […]
Cherokee Lake Set to Host 41st annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Presented by T-H Marine
Major League Fishing (MLF) returns to Tennessee, next week, May 29-31, for the 41st annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American Championship Presented by T-H Marine on Cherokee Lake. The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Jefferson County TN, will showcase the nation’s best weekend grassroots anglers, and awards the winning boater a top prize of up to $120,000, […]
AAP Offers 12 Tips for Beach Safety: Safe Fun in the Sun, Sand and Sea
hen the weather’s nice, many families love spending time near the water. Whether your favorite spot is near the ocean or the edge of a river or lake, it’s always best to prepare for your surroundings and make sure that health hazards don’t spoil your good time. “I encourage families to look for beaches where lifeguards […]
Drowning Deaths Rise in the United States
Drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States, following decades of decline, according to a new CDC Vital Signs study released today. Over 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020–2022, 500 more per year compared to 2019. CDC experts looked at drowning deaths, self-reported swimming skills, participation in swimming lessons, and exposure to […]
TN AG Skrmetti Leads 18 States in Lawsuit against Federal Agency’s Unlawful Attempt to Control Private Businesses
Leading a coalition of eighteen states, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti today filed a lawsuit fighting federal agency overreach by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). On April 29, 2024, the EEOC issued new sexual harassment guidance that unlawfully extends Title VII’s protections against sex-based discrimination to cover gender identity. Under the EEOC’s guidance, an employer may […]
Disaster response exercise being held throughout Tennessee
The Tennessee Military Department, along with several state and local agencies, are conducting an emergency response exercise throughout Tennessee from May 15-19. Named “Tennessee Maneuvers 2024,” the exercise will occur in Bradley, Coffee, Davidson, Gibson, Hamilton, Hawkins, Knox, Loudon, Madison, Maury, McMinn, Rhea, Rutherford, Sullivan, and Wilson counties. Numerous police and fire departments will be […]
TDOE Highlights Promotion Pathways for Students & Strong Support for Families
Tennessee Department of Education is highlighting the multiple pathways available to support 3rd and 4th grade students who may benefit from extra learning supports. Additionally, new and updated resources are available to support districts and schools as they work with families in determining the best pathway for their student. “As districts and schools begin to have essential […]
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. […]
Carson-Newman Commencement celebrates graduates, Robert Reedy Bryan Society inductees
Carson-Newman University announced four inductees into the third class of the Robert Reedy Bryan Society. The recognition took place during C-N’s May 3 Spring Undergraduate Commencement, which awarded degrees to 288 graduates and featured The Honorable Phil Roe, who gave the commencement address. Those inducted into the Robert Reedy Bryan Society were The Honorable Jeanette […]
VITAL POLICY – Opinion – Tourism, a Gift to Jefferson County, Tennessee and It’s Economy, an Economic Resource Worthy of Encouragement
Jefferson County, Tennessee has a gift that few other places in our state have. That gift is a combination of natural beauty, proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a rich history that dates to the beginning of our nation, and wonderful friendly residents. If you were to pinpoint a place on the map […]
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 […]
