Mayors Concerned About Unknowns In Commodity Transition
Several City and County Mayors voiced concerns Wednesday morning about rural counties’ ability to receive food following the state take over of UCHRA’s commodity program. Three food banks, including Second Harvest, will take over the program in October after a decision by the state. UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said the Middle Tennessee region lacks […]
Morgan: Jackson ’26 Budget “Pretty Good” With No Hiccups
Jackson County Executive Jim Morgan said the county has a new budget in place, a long, but smooth process resulted in no property tax increase. Morgan said the budget committee took its time to verify the numbers, especially with the passing of Mayor Randy Heady coming around the start of the process. Morgan said the […]
Jackson Schools Have Fully Staffed Guidance Department
For the first time in a long time, each school in Jackson County will have its own full time guidance counselor. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said finding school counselors is a challenge. Hardy said this is important for student development because they help with social and emotional situations. Hardy said in the past, the […]
Jackson School Board Adopts Student Member Policy
The Jackson County School Board has adopted a new policy allowing a student to join the board when school resumes next month. The addition comes after a legislative directive in this year’s session. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said the student member must be a junior or senior in good academic standing. “It’s just one […]
Jackson Schools Phone Policy Unchanged After New Law
No changes to the Jackson County School System’s mobile device policy after the School Board reviewed the policy Thursday night. New Tennessee law prohibits students from using cell phones during instructional time. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said although some districts have decided to adopt a locking phone case with their policies, it was not […]
Policies Slightly Different For Teachers, Focus Still Phones Off
As school begins over the next several weeks, tighter cell phone policies will go into effect for students, and teachers will also be reminded about using phones during class time. Warren County Director of Schools Grant Swallows said teachers are still allowed to access phones, but they are still held to the same usage standards […]
Jackson Schools TCAP Scores Continue Positive Trends
The Jackson County School System continues to trend up, as TCAP proficiency scores improved again last school year. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said there was a three percent jump in English/Language Arts, two percent each in Math and Social Studies, and a seven percent jump in Science. Hardy said, at first glance, the district […]
Statewide Prayer Month To Be Observed In Four UC Counties
For the second consecutive year, a Tennessee House Joint Resolution has made July a statewide month of prayer with services set Tuesday. The idea for a month of prayer was initially proposed in a 2024 joint resolution. Putnam County Coordinator Marcia Mullins said this year, a similar resolution was brought forward by Representative Monty Fritts […]
Gainesboro To Raise Water Rates For New Treatment Plant
The Gainesboro Board of Alderman approved a resolution Thursday night to raise water rates over the next five years. Engineer Nathaniel Green said the increase will cover payments on the expanded water treatment plant project. Green said a financial analysis from the State Revolving Fund determined a revenue shortfall by fiscal year 2029 without the […]
Jackson Budget Committee Hears First Department Proposals
The Jackson County Budget Committee heard the first of several rounds of department head requests for the new budget cycle Tuesday night. EMS Director Keith Bean said he wanted to add a floater position for the department, adding some $54,000 in expense. Bean said the floater would be trained to fill in any open position […]
