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 […]
Winter Solstice in Northern Hemisphere
December 21 marks the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, an astronomical event that has been celebrated by dozens of cultures and religions, and that has historically been used as a seasonal indicator. The Winter Solstice is, scientifically, the instant that the sun’s maximum elevation in the day (noon) is at its lowest. In other […]
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 […]
Decline Stalls – 58 Million Americans Still Exposed to Secondhand Smoke
Progress in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke among U.S. nonsmokers has stalled in recent years, despite longstanding declines over the past three decades. An estimated 58 million American nonsmokers (1 in 4) were still exposed to secondhand smoke from burning tobacco products such as cigarettes during 2013–2014, according to new data published by the Centers for Disease […]
Haslam, TDEC Release Statewide Water Plan, Request Public Feedback
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, along with Deputy Gov. Jim Henry and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner Dr. Shari Meghreblian, today released the statewide water availability plan developed by subject matter experts and led by a steering committee Haslam appointed earlier this year. TDEC is now seeking feedback from the public on the […]
Be A Good Elf” When Selecting, Decorating, & Maintaining Christmas Trees
Opinions may differ on when to start decorating for the holidays, but one thing is certain: Practicing fire safety during the holidays can drastically reduce the likelihood of a home fire. To raise awareness of fire-safe behaviors this holiday season, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is asking Tennesseans to “Be a Good Elf” […]
TDOE Releases Report on School Safety and Security
Education Commissioner Candice McQueen today released a new report to provide insight on the landscape of school safety in Tennessee. For the first time, the department is releasing information on trends found in the strengths and challenges in school security seen across districts. This new report allows the state to increase awareness, prompt further conversations, and spur […]
Nothing Says Holiday Like a Trip to the Christmas Tree Farm
Christmas is just around the corner, which means now is the time to start planning a trip to a local tree farm. As the cool, crisp air draws near, a visit to the farm is the perfect outdoor adventure to generate some holiday spirit and family fun. Many farms sell Christmas trees between Black Friday […]
Mushrooms: A Tennessee Crop Coming Into New Light
Highly anticipated crops like pumpkins usually get all of the attention during the autumn months. Tennessee mushrooms, however, are coming out of the woodwork this season as a nutrient powerhouse. Mushrooms provide many health benefits, including several nutrients and antibacterial properties. These fungi are typically grown outdoors during the spring and fall months. However, with […]
Start Your Holiday Gift Search on Small Business Saturday
As you begin filling stockings and preparing presents this holiday season, locally made artisan or farm products can be the meaningful and personal gift that your family and friends will love. Small Business Saturday is Nov. 24, and many of the businesses showcased that day focus on products found on the farm. Independent shop owners […]
Unemployment in Tennessee Continues Near All-Time Historic Low
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips today released the statewide unemployment rate for October 2018 showing Tennessee’s jobless rate was still near historic lows, despite a slight uptick. October’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October was 3.7 percent, 0.1 percent of a percentage point higher than […]
Local Veterans Honored At 26th Annual Night Of Patriots
Jefferson County High School presented the 26th annual Night of the Patriots performance on Thursday, November 8, 2018 in the James D. Swann Performing Arts Center. Local veterans were honored by students from several areas of study and extra curricular areas at Jefferson County High School. As has come to be expected, students and staff […]
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 […]
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. […]
