Comptroller’s Office Recognizes a Record 15 Counties for Clean Audits
Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason Mumpower has announced that 15 Tennessee counties have earned a clean audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, which is a record number. These counties, audited by the Comptroller’s Division of Local Government Audit, reported no findings in their annual financial and compliance reports. The 15 counties […]
TVA’s 3,770-Megawatt Construction Build Positions Valley for Long-Term Growth
The Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors met Thursday to review progress on one of the largest generation construction programs in the agency’s history and to reinforce TVA’s role in keeping the region – and the nation – energy secure, economically competitive and positioned for long-term leadership. The Board reported that the state of TVA […]
Deer Mice and a Deadly Virus: What East Tennessee Needs to Know About Hantavirus Right Now
A rare but potentially deadly virus carried by common North American rodents has resurfaced in national public health discussions, prompting questions about local risk here in East Tennessee. While Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) remains extremely uncommon in the eastern United States, the deer mouse—the primary carrier of the virus—is widespread across Tennessee, including the foothills and […]
Gov. Lee, TWRA Recognize Safe Boating Week, May 16-22
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed May 16-22 as Safe Boating Week in Tennessee. In support of the statewide and national observance, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will participate in the annual National Safe Boating Week, reminding all boaters to refresh their boating safety skills and prepare for the upcoming summer boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off […]
Veterans Connect Launches Statewide to Strengthen Support for Tennessee service members, Veterans, and military families
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS) Commissioner Tommy Baker announced the launch of the Veterans Connect Portal, a new statewide resource designed to make it easier for service members, Veterans, and their families to access the support they’ve earned. Tennessee is home to more than 430,000 Veterans, supported by a strong […]
Tennessee High School Seniors: Claim Your College Spot Through TN Direct Admissions Before June 1 Deadline
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is urging eligible high school seniors who have not yet claimed their TN Direct Admissions offer to act now! Thousands of Tennessee high school seniors have already claimed their college spot for the fall, but many still have the opportunity to secure theirs before time runs out. The deadline to claim […]
Election Day Is Tomorrow — Don’t Let Misinformation Steal Your Voice
As Jefferson County heads into Election Day tomorrow, it’s more important than ever for voters to stay alert, stay informed, and stay grounded in facts. Local elections shape our schools, our roads, our taxes, and our daily lives — and unfortunately, moments like this also attract a wave of misinformation from individuals and groups who […]
Low Early Voting Numbers Persist In Jefferson County As Election Day Approaches
Low early voting numbers persist in Jefferson County, as Election Day approaches. Despite a full ballot and several highly contested local offices, voting totals are not keeping up the pace with the last highly contested election in 2018. Predictions for a large voter turnout have not come to fruition with only 3,023 votes being cast […]
79 Tennessee Counties Report Unemployment Rates Below 5%
Seventy-nine of Tennessee’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates below 5% in February even as most counties saw an increase in their rates over the previous month, according to new data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). In 87 counties, unemployment rates for February were up when compared with January rates. Rates […]
Jefferson County Raised to AA1 Bond Rating – Highest In History – Saves $4.2 Million Through Refinancing
The Jefferson County Commission will return to their previous meeting schedule of 8 meetings and 8 work sessions for fiscal year 2026-2027. For several months both citizens and commissioners have discussed the possibility of altering the current County Commission schedule of monthly meetings but no work sessions. Monday evening, upon a motion from Commissioner Huffaker […]
Early Voting Numbers Pacing Slow – District by District Counts
Early voting is in full swing in Jefferson County for the May 5, 2026 Primary Election. Opening day for early voting was April 15th and will continue through April 30th at both the Jefferson County Election office and satellite sites in New Market and White Pine. As of eleven thirty am today, Tuesday April 21st, […]
Budget Committee To Recommend Budget With No Property Tax Increase To Commission
The Jefferson County Budget Committee will send the proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year budget to the full body for approval with no property tax increase. Monday evening the Budget Committee voted unanimously to approve a budget proposal that utilizes a move of the equivalent of two property tax pennies that were previously designed for use in […]
TWRA Announces Availability of 2026-27 Clean Stream Grants
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) announces the availability of grant dollars to assist cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, conservation groups, and similar groups with stream clean-up projects during the 2026-27 fiscal year. Five grants, at a maximum of $1,000 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection regions (a […]
TN Promise Application Opened on April 1 for the Class of 2027
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) today announced that the TN Promise application is now open for the Class of 2027. For the first time, high school juniors can apply beginning April 1, giving students earlier access than ever before to the state’s last-dollar scholarship. The earlier application timeline allows students and families to begin planning […]
Tennessee Guardsmen rescue visitor in National Park
On Wednesday afternoon, April 1, a flight crew with the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion rescued a park visitor suffering from cardiac arrest in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Shortly after 2:40 p.m., Eastern time, the Tennessee National Guard and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency were notified of a park visitor having a medical emergency in need […]
