Government News is the latest breaking government stories, schools, sports, traffic, government, and community updates in Marion County, Sequatchie County, Grundy County, Jasper, Whitwell, South Pittsburg, Dunlap, Kimball, Tennessee, Northeast Alabama, Jackson County, Bridgeport, Scottsboro, Stevenson, Sand Mountain and surrounding communities.
A recent Tennessee law makes it possible for facility dogs to accompany victims and witnesses in courtrooms throughout the state as they give testimony. Before this legislation, only select judicial districts allowed facility dogs during courtroom proceedings and forensic interviews. Now, any jurisdiction may permit these trained animals if approved by the presiding judge. The …
“Get Alarmed, TN!” is a grant-funded fire safety education and smoke alarm installation program administered by the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO). Launched in November 2012, the program distributes fire safety education and 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms to participating fire departments. The fire departments then deliver the education and install smoke alarms in at-risk homes …
Replacement Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits (SNAP) may be an option for current SNAP recipients who lost food due to power outage or household misfortune. To request replacement benefits, SNAP customers must submit a signed affidavit to the Tennessee Department of Human Services. The affidavit can be downloaded from the “Disaster Related Emergency Assistance” webpage on …
A multi-agency technical rescue took place at Savage Gulf on Sunday. A 38-year-old male sustained an approximate 50-foot fall while hiking the Savage Gulf Trail. The incident triggered an extensive multi-agency rescue operation. Thanks to the seamless coordination and swift action of the Grundy County Emergency Services, the individual was successfully extracted from …
TDOT contract crews will temporarily close lanes on I-75 near mile marker 3 for paving work, part of Phase 2 to improve the I-75/I-24 interchange. Lane closure schedule: Friday, Feb. 6, 9:00 p.m.: One lane closed each direction. Saturday, Feb. 7, 6:00 a.m.: I-75 North reopens; one lane remains closed southbound. Saturday, Feb. 7, 9:00 …
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Jasper Driver Services Center, 4950 Main Street, Building D, which closed for a planned remodel on May 14, 2025, will reopen on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. The Driver Services Center will immediately resume regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central. The refreshed …
Grundy County deputies arrested a man after he brought an AR-style BB gun into the courthouse and aimed it at an employee. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to a “man with a gun” call at the Grundy County Courthouse on Tuesday, February 3. The suspect, identified as Michael Hammond, was seen pointing the …
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) proudly announce the recipients of the volunteer fire departments 2026 funding. This year a record $20 million will be distributed. The $20 million appropriation for 2026 is the program’s single largest allocation since its inception in 2020. Area departments …
Tennessee legislators are once again considering the future of the state’s grocery tax. According to a new analysis from Trace One (Tennessee Leaders to Debate Grocery Tax Removal), Tennessean consumers spend less on groceries than residents in most other states. The report indicates that Tennessee households allocate approximately $700 per month to grocery purchases, representing …
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is preparing to address pothole repairs throughout the state following significant damage caused by recent winter storms. Maintenance crews will employ cold-mix asphalt for expedited patching, with comprehensive and permanent repairs scheduled for the spring and early summer months. Motorists should anticipate traffic delays, particularly during off-peak hours from 9 …
