First Case Of Coronavirus Confirmed In Jefferson County, TN
The Tennessee Department of Heath released information today that Jefferson County, Tennessee has its first citizen that has tested positive for Covid-19 or, as it is more popularly known, the Coronavirus. While privacy policies prevent the identification of the Jefferson County resident, it has been confirmed that he/she is a retired international traveler and it […]
Budget Committee Considers Stips On Hospital Reserve Fund Use
The Jefferson County Budget Committee gave the nod to a satellite office for the County Clerk to allow easier access for those living in the Jefferson City area. According to Jefferson County Mayor Potts, the satellite office will be located inside the Jefferson City Walmart. County Clerk Herndon said that he expects to be able […]
Topic Of Merging Rush Strong and Piedmont Schools Packs Courthouse
The Jefferson County School Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Rumors of a the potential closing of Rush Strong School and the merging of that student body with the Piedmont student body in a new building location, as well as the merging and closing of Talbott school and merging […]
SENATOR NICELEY, CROWE CO-SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO LABEL MEAT RAISED IN STATE AS “TENNESSEE-RAISED”
The Tennessee Senate approved legislation last week which calls for labeling meat raised in the state as ‘Tennessee-raised.’ The bill, which is sponsored by Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) and Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), helps consumers make informed decisions regarding their meat and poultry purchases, while helping local farmers market their products. “This legislation […]
Tennessee and Four Other States Move to Halt Attempt to Illegally Rewrite the U.S. Constitution
Tennessee has joined Alabama, Louisiana, Nebraska, and South Dakota in a motion to intervene in litigation over whether the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) can be placed into the Constitution more than forty years after the 1979 deadline for ratifying the proposed amendment expired. Three States — Illinois, Nevada, and Virginia — recently sued the Archivist […]
A Little Common Sense Goes A Long Way
It is almost that time of year when thoughts turn to spring cleaning. Out with the old and in with the new. Same goes with local and state junk. The stuff that clouds the mind and provides obstacles to we the people getting where we want to go is on the table for a good […]
Legislation Lowering Tennessee’s Business Income Tax Gains Support In House
A measure designed to lower Tennessee’s business income tax (excise tax) is gaining support in the House. House Bill 2301 is a fiscally responsible approach to attract new business to our state and to encourage small business owners to reinvest into their communities by beginning the process of lowering the excise tax from 6.5 percent […]
Dandridge Board of Mayor and Aldermen Send Property Rights Resolution to State Lawmakers
Citing a U.S. Supreme Court case and the U.S. Constitution, the Dandridge Board of Mayor and Aldermen made a resolution calling on state lawmakers to protect private property rights, specifically promoting recently filed house and senate bills that close a “blighted area” loophole that enables local government and housing authorities to condemn viable non-blighted property […]
Legislation Declaring Tennessee The “Volunteer State” Moves Forward
Legislation officially designating the state of Tennessee as the “Volunteer State” is moving forward in the Tennessee General Assembly. House Bill 1562 designates the “Volunteer State” as the official nickname of Tennessee. While Tennessee has held this distinction since 1812, it is not currently documented in state law. The state of Tennessee has been referred […]
Representative Faison Files Proposed Legislation to Protect Farm Tourism Businesses from Liability
State Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) has filed proposed legislation to protect agritourism businesses from claims of property damage by participants. The proposed legislation amends a Title 43 law that was enacted as part of a sweeping tort reform movement in 2009. House Bill 2371 strengthens protections that were previously enacted to create immunity from liability […]
Tennessee Needs at Least $54.8 Billion of Public Infrastructure Improvements
Tennessee needs at least $54.8 billion worth of public infrastructure improvements during the five-year period of July 2018 to June 2023—a $4.8 billion (9.7%) increase from the year before—according to a new report by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR). More than $3.7 billion of this year’s increase is attributable to increases in […]
State Representative Andrew Farmer To Seek Re-Election In 2020
Criminal Justice Subcommittee Chair prioritizes safe communities; commitment to education (NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — State Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) Monday announced he will seek re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2020. “It is an incredible honor to serve the men, women and families our community,” said Rep. Farmer. “District 17 and our state are thriving under […]
Jefferson County Schools, Lead Exceeding Allowable Limits Found In Recent Water Tests
In a release from Dr. Shane Johnston, Jefferson County Director Of Schools – Jefferson County Schools recently tested water sources on the campuses of the school district in compliance Jefferson County School Board policy (3.212) that aligns with TCA 49-2-133. The tests were completed in December 2019. The first round of results was provided yesterday […]
President Trump’s bold vision for Middle East peace
Official White House photo by Shealah Craighead “Peace to Prosperity” is a fundamentally different vision for one of the world’s most complex problems. “My vision presents a win-win opportunity for both sides,” President Trump said today, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu standing alongside him. President Trump also took the step of meeting yesterday with Israel’s opposition leader, […]
County Commission First Vote Of 2020
In their first voting meeting of the year 2020, the Jefferson County Commission voted 13-8 to add two full time positions to the office of Circuit Court Clerk. The addition came as an amendment to a budget committee item which allowed one full time and one part time position to join the Circuit Court Clerk’s […]
