Commission Nixes Quarterly Meetings
The Jefferson County Commission met for their regular voting session on Monday, October 20, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Carmichael. Commissioner Solomon was absent from Roll Call. Chairman Carmichael asked for corrections and approval of the agenda. A motion was made by Commissioner Scarlett […]
Budget Committee Sends Employee Bonus To Full Commission
The Jefferson County Budget Committee met on Monday, October 20, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett Called the Meeting to Order. Sitting in for Committee Member Solomon was Commissioner Tim Seals. The Minutes for July and October were Approved with a Motion from Committee Member Musick and 2nd from Committee […]
Here Or Not? – TDH & Haslam’s Office Refuse To Tell
The Tennessee Department of Health has declined to identify the county of residence of two individuals that have contracted the Enterovirus D68, a virus that has struck more than 700 and has been confirmed as the cause of death in at least two cases and is suspected in others. Severe symptoms result in respiratory stress […]
Jefferson County Debt Per Capita Well Exceeds National Benchmark
Jefferson County’s current outstanding debt is nearly $83 million dollars, according to information provided by Jefferson County Finance Director Helton and the County’s outside Financial Advisor, Scott Gibson of Cumberland Securities. Payments from the Debt Service account are expected to be slightly more than $7 in 2015 but will take a leap to the $8 […]
Almost $500 million could be saved annually by making subsidized housing smoke-free
Prohibiting smoking in all government subsidized housing in the United States, including public housing, would save an estimated $497 million per year in health care and housing-related costs, according to a CDC study published in Preventing Chronic Disease. The total cost saved comprises of about $310 million in secondhand smoke-related health care, $134 million in […]
Governor’s Highway Safety Office Announces Teen Driver Safety Week
The Governor’s Highway Safety Office is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration October 19th– 25th to spread awareness about teen driver safety. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of 14 -18 year olds in the United States. In 2013, 39,140 crashes in Tennessee involved a driver age 20 or younger. Those […]
Watch Them Change
As the month of October moves quickly toward Halloween, oranges are bursting out everywhere with even the valley beginning to burn bright with color. Wet weather has impacted the streams in the Great Smoky Mountains and high winds in the highest elevations have stripped some of the leaves early. Those seeking maximum color should climb […]
Christmas In Dandridge – Save The Dates
While many are still planning for Halloween and wondering how much candy to stock up for trick or treaters, Dandridge Community Trust has been busy setting the schedule for their annual Christmas in Dandridge events. This year the kick off will be before Thanksgiving and will begin with the annual tree lighting ceremony in front […]
Practice Makes Perfect
The Jefferson City Fire Department hosted a training event for their own, and other local, firefighters. Though training is a continuous and important part of their job, this particular training event was different, in that it meshed tradition and technology. Via grants, the Jefferson City Fire Department has acquired a simulator that allows the practice […]
Scarlett Elected To Chair Budget Committee
The Jefferson County Budget Committee met for their first voting session of the newly seated Committee on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The meeting was Called to Order by Commission Vice-Chairman Kesterson. All committee members were present for Roll Call. In the first order of business, Acting Chairman Kesterson opened […]
County Commission To Consider Bonds Rather Than Fund Balance
The Jefferson County Commission met for a lengthy Work Session on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Chairman Carmichael presided over the meeting and Commission Members Dockery and McGraw were absent. Two citizens addressed the Commission-one regarding security issues at the Patriot Academy and the other requesting relief from the School […]
‘Bikers For Babes’ Lands At The Point Resort & Marina
The Point Resort and Marina hosted the first fall Bikers for Babes that benefited the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition. Although the weather did not cooperate, Bikers still came out strong to support a great cause and have a little fun. Following a rather damp afternoon ride from the Harley Davidson in Pigeon Forge to The […]
Vols Punish Mocs, 45-10
It was homecoming on the hill on Saturday afternoon and, after losing three straight games, big brother took its frustration out on little brother. It started early, after the Mocs first drive went nowhere they were forced to punt. Vols punt return man, Cameron Sutton, returned the punt 42 yards down to the Mocs 38-yard […]
Color Seeps Into Tennessee Valley
Leaf watchers should really enjoy the next few weeks, as color seeps into the Tennessee valley. The highest elevations are peaking, so those planning a trip up top should probably hit the trails sooner rather than later. While Clingmans Dome is generally a wonderful location to view color, watchers should be aware that recent high […]
Board Discusses Building 8 – “Night Of Patriots” Postponed
The Jefferson County School Board held a Work Session on Thursday, October 9, 2014 in the Patriot Academy. The meeting was Called to Order by Chairman Jarnigan. One Board Member, Lowery, was absent. Four items were presented on the Agenda, with the Building 8 project occupying two of the four agenda slots. Director of Schools […]
East Tennessee Plays Catch-Up
Current weather predictions aside, East Tennessee is in the midst of the historically dry months. September, October and November are typically the driest months in the Tennessee Valley. During this time, the annual average runoff, which is the amount of water that washes into the local rivers following a rain event, is only around one […]
