VITAL POLICY – Jefferson County Commission Stands Up for Medical Freedom of Tennessee Guardsmen
When Captain Mickey Shelton signed up to serve in the Tennessee Army National Guard, he made a commitment to answer the call of duty to the state of Tennessee in times of crisis and natural disaster, and to defend the nation if deployed overseas. He never expected to fight his own government for medical freedom […]
Park temporarily closes trails in the Gatlinburg area due to bear activity
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials temporarily closed the Gatlinburg Trail between Gatlinburg and Sugarlands Visitor Center, and also the Twin Creeks Trail between Gatlinburg and the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center. Both trails are closed due to a large concentration of black bears feeding on acorns. The trails will remain closed until further […]
Park Plans Prescribed Burns in Cades Cove November 2022
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Appalachian Piedmont Coastal Fire Management Zone staff plan to burn approximately 1,200 acres of fields in Cades Cove. Weather permitting, burn operations will occur between Tuesday, November 1 and Tuesday, November 22. These seasonal controlled burns help perpetuate native herbaceous species that provide high quality cover and foraging opportunities for […]
Gov. Lee Launches School Safety Toolkit for Tennessee Families
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee launched the new School Safety Toolkit for Tennessee Families, a practical resource to help parents prepare and engage in their child’s school safety plan. This follows Executive Order 97, which directed state agencies to equip and engage parents, increase transparency and collaborate with local law enforcement and school districts. “As we continue our […]
Unemployment Drops Below 5% in Every Tennessee County
September Marks the Second Consecutive Month Jobless Rates Decrease in all 95 Counties NASHVILLE – Every county in Tennessee recorded unemployment rates below 5% in September, according to the latest data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). September also marked the second consecutive month that rates decreased in each of the state’s 95 […]
County Employees To Receive 8% Raise and 1 time bonus of 5%
Jefferson County employees will receive a retroactive raise of 8% and a one time of bonus of 5% to be paid on the November payroll. The County Commission has been in discussion since the beginning of the new fiscal year in July regarding the state of county employee compensation. In the Monday voting session, commissioners […]
Tennessee National Guard aircrew rescues hiker
A Tennessee Army National Guard medical flight crew responded to an emergency air evacuation mission for a hiker with a suspected broken leg in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park area, Oct. 14. At approximately 4:20 p.m., the Tennessee Military Department and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency were notified of a hiker needing evacuation along the […]
Debris Burn Permits Required Beginning Oct. 15
In observance of National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 9 – 15, 2022 the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry reminds citizens that our state is heading into fall fire season. Dry conditions and trees that shed their leaves heighten fire danger and a debris burn permit is required for leaf and brush piles beginning […]
Gov. Lee Launches $100 Million Violent Crime Intervention Fund for Local Law Enforcement
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee launched the $100 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund and invited local law enforcement agencies to apply for grants that will be used to strengthen public safety in communities across Tennessee. “As Americans face rising crime nationwide, Tennessee is equipping law enforcement with the tools needed to keep every community safe,” said […]
Early Voting for the Nov. 8 State and Federal General Election Starts Today
Starting today, Tennessee voters can cast their ballot early for the Nov. 8 State and Federal General Election. Early voting runs Monday to Saturday until Thursday, Nov. 3. and offers the convenience and flexibility of evening hours and multiple polling locations in some counties. Tennessee voters can find their polling hours, locations and more with […]
VITAL POLICY – OPINION – Jefferson County School Board Rejects Bonus Pay for School Bus Drivers Despite Ongoing Employment Crisis
The Jefferson County School (JCS) system is hemorrhaging employees like a bleeding hog at a slaughterhouse. In a recent 18-month period, JCS turned over 274 employees, teachers, maintenance workers, classroom aides, support staff, and most critically, school bus drivers. Teachers and teachers’ aides are leaving because of the frustration with their jobs, top-down management practices, […]
City of Morristown, Hamblen County Government and Walters State Community College Join TACN
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security welcomed the City of Morristown, Hamblen County government, and Walters State Community College to the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN). Their decision to join TACN makes them the first local government in Tennessee to go to a full state (TACN) and AT&T FirstNet. This provides the ability […]
Championing the call: Carson-Newman remains true to founding vision, supporting those in ministry
Governors, authors, educators, doctors, pro athletes and members of Congress have all called Carson-Newman University their alma mater over the last 171 years. However, it was no accident that the third graduate to earn a degree on the banks of Mossy Creek was a minister. From C-N’s 1851 founding as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary, […]
AG Skrmetti Leads Thirteen State Coalition Demanding U.S. Department of Justice Respect Free Speech Rights of Critics of Irreversible Pediatric Transgender Procedures
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti is leading a coalition of state attorneys general demanding U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland respect the First Amendment rights of people who criticize irreversible transgender treatments for minors. The thirteen attorneys general write in response to a letter to Garland from several medical organizations which called for investigations and prosecution of those who criticize […]
Jefferson County School Board – Jefferson Elementary School Renovation, Bus Driver Bonus Among Items Considered
Last week the Jefferson County School Board met for their regular work session and monthly meeting. In consideration of timing, recognition for students and staff were moved to the front of the work session agenda. The JCHS Girl’s Golf Team and Jefferson County Reward Schools were introduced for their achievements. One of the actionable items […]
Tennessee Higher Education Commission Outlines New Goals and Launches a Momentum-Building Year for College Enrollment
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) today announced the launch of a momentum-building year to renew and articulate the value of education in Tennessee and to increase enrollment in education and training beyond high school. In May, THEC released the inaugural state college-going status report, College Going and the Class of 2021. The report showed that […]
