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Budget Committee whittles proposed county tax hike to slightly under 24 cents
The Hawkins County Commission’s Budget Committee whittled some spending from the proposed 2024-25 budget Monday, decreasing what started as a proposed 26.67 cent property tax to just under 24 cents. Some committee members wanted to see that tax hike figure reduced to 20 cents, although at the end of the day-long budget hearing they were unable to find cuts substantial enough to meet that goal. The committee voted 6-0 to...
'It just does something to you' | Victim of racist bullying in Hawkins County speaks on impact and investigation
HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. — Editor's Note: WBIR typically does not identify minors. It decided to identify Keelin Releford after he said he wanted his story to be heard, and after his mother agreed to identify him. On June 10, the U.S. Department of Justice said Hawkins County Schools agreed...
McDowell cruises to $50,050 victory at The Gap
BULLS GAP — Dale McDowell led from start to finish to win the historic Volunteer 50 Super Late Model feature — and its $50,050 prize— on Saturday night when Volunteer Speedway celebrated 50 years of racing at The Gap. Saturday’s main event capped a three-day celebration highlighting the track’s history and the legendary drivers who’ve made their mark on the high banks of the four-tenths-mile dirt track over the past five decades. ...
The Goose Chase launches Appalachian Highlands Adventure Challenge
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Goose Chase has launched a new challenge for people across the region looking to become more active. It’s called the ‘Appalachian Highlands Adventure Challenge’. According to The Goose Chase founder and president Karen Hubbs, the concept is simple. Hubbs said the goal is to walk or hike to the […]
People can face harsher penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers after new law goes into effect in TN
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new law passed by the legislature makes it a Class E felony to assault law enforcement officers. People convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers would be required to pay $10,000 and face a minimum sentence of 60 days in prison. It's named the "Back the Blue Act."
Tri-Cities region prepares for 729 area code addition
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – Population growth in East Tennessee has required the state to add an additional area code to the current 423 area code. “The North American Numbering Plan administrator notified the Tennessee Public Utility Commission that the 423 number plan area is projected to exhaust its availability of central office codes,” said Grace […]
TWRA’s Operation Dry Water aims to curb drinking, drug use while boating
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is highlighting its Operation Dry Water (ODW) campaign as the July 4 holiday draws closer. ODW is a year-round boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement initiative that brings a heightened awareness and law enforcement presence to waterways during the Independence Day holiday. From July […]
Statewide ban on feeding bears sought by TN wildlife officials
Over the last few weeks there have been several bear and human encounters near the Great Smoky Mountains. These encounters are raising the question, are there any laws that prohibit people from feeding bears in Tennessee.
Tennessee dental practice reopens after tornado damages office
Springfield, Tenn.-based Gentle Dental has reopened in a new office after a tornado damaged its previous office in December, Smokey Barns News reported July 2. The practice selected a new location for its office but gutted and rebuilt the facility to provide a more modern space for its general dentistry services.
New laws puts responsibility on Tennessee kids for stopping their own abuse
I’m sitting in a virtual room with a few attorneys discussing how we can support young people’s access to health care without running afoul of the new law criminalizing adults supporting minors who access abortion,when someone says, “Well, the law doesn’t prevent kids from educating their peers on abortion. Why don’t we just train them?” […] The post New laws puts responsibility on Tennessee kids for stopping their own abuse appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
TVA says it's ready to meet demand for electricity in summer months
Officials at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s John Sevier Combined Cycle Plant said Thursday that all preparations have been made to ensure that the plant, along with the overall TVA system, are prepared to handle increased summer demand for electricity. TVA officials are also asking the public to use common sense in conserving electricity by turning up the thermometer a few degrees, especially when no one is home, and not using major appliances such as washing machines and ovens during the hottest part of the day. ...
Tennessee’s Education Department is getting a new Chief Program Officer
The Tennessee Department of Education has selected Milan Special School District Director Jonathan Criswell as Chief Program Officer (CPO) for the department effective later this summer, the department announced last week. According to a department news release, Criswell will be tasked with leading the department’s core programming efforts, such as...
TN’s college-going rate for Class of 2023 sees highest increase since 2015
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The class of 2023 had the highest number of high school graduates who enrolled in college immediately after graduating, according to a new report by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). The statewide college-going rate is 56.7%, which is 2.4 percentage points higher than the class of 2022. THEC added that […]
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