Category: Tennessee
Reminder: Debris Burn Permits Required Through May 15
To minimize the risk of wildland fires, Tennesseans are reminded that a burn permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) is required for debris burning from October 15 through May 15. “Burn permits help us communicate with landowners about when and where it is safe to burn at any given time,” …
New State Legislature Student Athlete Transfer Bill Put On Hold
A new state legislature bill adopting new TSSAA high school transfer rules has been delayed until the next legislative session in 2026, even though it has already passed the state senate. Earlier this year, the TSSAA Board approved a new “one-time transfer rule” for non-athletic reasons that would not punish student athletes regarding eligibility. The TSSAA board …
Driver Information: Hamilton County Traffic Task Force
On Monday morning, Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett joined local police chiefs, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Tennessee Highway Safety Office to announce the new Hamilton County Traffic Task Force. This collaborative task force, made up of state, county, and local law enforcement, will work to increase public awareness of the risks vehicle crashes …
National Work Zone Awareness Week
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is joining states nationwide to ask motorists to Work with Us – move over and slow down for highway workers. TDOT will spread that message statewide during National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is going on now, to improve safety in Tennessee’s interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones. This year’s theme …
U.S. Education Department will Begin Collecting Student Loan debt
Officials said Monday that the Education Department will begin collecting student loan debt in default next month, including garnishing wages for potentially millions of borrowers. Currently, roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans. The Trump administration’s announcement marks an end to a period of leniency that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. …
Area Construction Update; None This Weekend
MARION COUNTY SR-156 repair of bridge over Tennessee River, LM 15.2:Â The contractor will be performing painting operations and structural repairs on the SR-156 bridge over the Tennessee River in South Pittsburg. This work will require a traffic shift leaving both lanes open to traffic. Please use caution when driving through the work zone. BLEDSOE COUNTY …
More Recess Time for Elementary Students Proposed
A Tennessee bill to increase recess time for younger students has passed the House unanimously and now awaits the governor’s signature. The bill proposes raising recess time for elementary students from about two hours per week to at least 40 minutes per day, meaning over three hours weekly. Middle and high school physical activity requirements …
Be Ready, Loud Cicadas Are Coming Soon
Tennessee is preparing for the emergence of millions of 17-year cicadas. Brood Fourteen, which last appeared in 2008, will emerge when soil temperatures reach 64 degrees, anticipated in late April to early May. Although loud, these insects are harmless and will be prevalent throughout the state, particularly in East Tennessee. Experts indicate that the cicadas …
Three Fire Departments Fight 18-Wheeler Blaze on I-24
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 06:35 a.m., the Haletown Fire and Rescue was toned to I-24 Mile Marker 142 Westbound for a semi-truck fire. Upon arrival, we found the trailer on fire from the rear axle. Monteagle Fire and Rescue started suppressing the fire quickly. Firefighters made entry through the rear doors, locating hot …



