SBA Steps In: Vital Aid for Tennesseans Recovering from Tropical Storm Helene
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Tennessee following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Helene that began on Sept. 26. “SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help small businesses and residents in Tennessee impacted by this disaster in every way […]
Gov. Lee Provides Update on Multi-Agency Response to Hurricane Helene
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Actions An expedited Major Disaster Declaration has been granted for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. Damage assessments remain in progress and will inform additional requests to be made to the federal government. Donations: Affected counties have started establishing donation collection centers. Information on these centers can be […]
TDEC Issues Temporary Water Contact Advisories for East Tennessee Areas Affected by Extreme Flooding
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is issuing a temporary water contact advisory telling the public to avoid all contact with waterbodies affected by the extreme flooding in East Tennessee. This applies to all surface waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds as well as any other waters […]
Jefferson County EMA Establishes Drinking Water Distribution Station For Swannsylvania Residents
For those residents in the Swannsylvania area that are affected by the water outage. Drinking water distribution point: 2815 Orchard Rd. Dandridge, TN Hours: Monday – Saturday 8am-5pm Sunday 1pm-5pm
Unemployment Rates are Below 5% in All but 3 Counties
NASHVILLE – Unemployment rates declined in nearly half of Tennessee’s counties in August and remained the same in 20 counties, according to new data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). Forty-seven of the state’s 95 counties saw a drop in their unemployment rates from July to August. Rates increased in 28 counties […]
New CDC Data Show Adult Obesity Prevalence Remains High
New CDC population data from 2023 show that in 23 states more than one in three adults (35%) has obesity. Before 2013, no state had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%. Currently, at least one in five adults (20%) in each U.S. state is living with obesity. “This new data highlight the need for […]
The Salvation Army Provides Critical Relief in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee
In the wake of catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in far eastern Tennessee, The Salvation Army of Kentucky & Tennessee has begun providing crucial relief services to impacted communities. Captain Justin Vincent, local Corps Officer of The Salvation Army in Sevierville, one of the corps closest to the affected areas, led his team of […]
VITAL POLICY – Jefferson County School Board Takes Three Steps to Break Jefferson Elementary School Stalemate
For the past few years, a majority of Jefferson County Commissioners have been asking for two simple things related to Jefferson Elementary School, a cost estimate on remodel and a cost estimate on the so-called Ibbetson Pod Plan to relocate students out of the current Jefferson Elementary School, and potentially add a new classroom pod […]
Tennessee Launches New Direct Hay Report to Support Local Farmers
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), in collaboration with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, is excited to announce the launch of a new Tennessee Direct Hay Report. This tool will provide comprehensive insights into hay pricing and trends across the state, helping Tennessee’s farmers and producers make informed decisions. “For farmers, the Direct Hay Report […]
Youth E-Cigarette Use Drops to Lowest Level in a Decade
Half a million fewer U.S. youth reported current use of e-cigarettes in 2024 compared to 2023, according to new data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) released today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The nationally representative data featured in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) includes findings […]
Tragic Collision in Jefferson County: Paramedic Killed, Another Injured in Ambulance Crash Involving Tractor-Trailer
A tragic accident occurred on Saturday night in Jefferson County, resulting in the death of paramedic Jeremy Sutton and injuring Sarah Brooks. The crash took place around 9:30 p.m. on Interstate 40 near the I-81 interchange. Both Sutton and Brooks sustained injuries and were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. According […]
2024 Labor Day Boating Weekend
The Labor Day holiday, the final major weekend of the 2024 summer boating season, is Aug. 31-Sept. 2. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency issues a reminder to wear life jackets and for boating in a safe and responsible manner. The TWRA wants all those who visit the waterways to have an enjoyable time. However, TWRA […]
AEC Co-op Connections Error Correction – dates that member payment options will be offline
Release from AEC: In our September Co-op Connections that was released this morning, there was an error concerning the dates that member payment options will be offline. We inadvertently put the beginning date as “November 30“. This date is actually September 30. It should read as follows… Beginning September 30th at 4:00 pm through Monday, October 7th, […]
Gov. Lee Awards GIVE Grants to Further Strengthen Rural Workforce Development
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced recipients of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) grant program, which prioritizes learning opportunities in rural counties and enhances career and technical education statewide. Tennessee has made notable progress in rural workforce development which has resulted in securing over 41,500 new jobs and nearly $19 billion in capital investment […]
