A bill filed in the Tennessee General Assembly would lower the age to carry a handgun to 18, down from 21. Current state law prohibits people under 21 from carrying a handgun unless they meet specific exemption criteria. That criteria includes being an active duty servicemember at least 18 years old, an honorably discharged veteran …
Tag: Jasper News
Price of Eggs Go Up at Waffle House Due to Bird Flu
Waffle House has announced an egg surcharge as the nation faces the rising cost of eggs and a shortage due to HPAI (bird flu). According to a press release from Waffle House, the company has implemented a temporary $0.50 per egg surcharge on all menus. Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that bird …
Important Information Concerning New 729 Area Code
With new telephone numbers in high demand, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission approved adding the new 729 area code to the existing 423 area code region, which covers our area. Starting February 5, 2025, all local calls made within the 423-area code must be dialed using 10 digits (area code and the 7-digit telephone number). On and …
Scam Warning from the BBB
With Valentine’s Day on the way, the Better Business Bureau warns of potential scams. If you use dating apps, be cautious. Scammers may use fake pictures to catfish and ask for money or personal information. The BBB notes that people in their 50s and 60s are often targeted with promises of romantic relationships that later …
School Voucher Program Passes in Tennessee
The Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives have passed Gov. Bill Lee’s statewide expansion of school vouchers, otherwise known as the “Tennessee Education Freedom Act of 2025.” The legislation was passed after hours of debate on both sides of the issue during a speedy four-day special session on vouchers, disaster relief, and immigration enforcement. The …
Drivers Reminded about Using Caution Around School Buses
The Marion County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public to prioritize safety on our roads, especially around school buses. Recently, the department has seen a concerning rise in complaints about drivers passing stopped school buses while picking up or dropping off students. Let’s remember to always be attentive and courteous behind the wheel. Please STOP …
Most County Unemployment Rates Up in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) has announced that unemployment rates in more than 20 Tennessee counties declined from the previous month. December unemployment rates were down in 23 of the state’s 95 counties compared with November rates. Rates remained the same in 39 counties and increased in 33 counties. All but …
Thornton Loses Lawsuit Against Two Marion County Residents
A court ruling has resulted in a significant loss for developer John “Thunder” Thornton, who sued Marion County residents Joey Blevins and Ronnie Kennedy over their criticism of his River Gorge Ranch Development. Blevins and Kennedy expressed concerns about the development above abandoned coal mines, which Thornton claimed were false. The judge dismissed Thornton’s claim …
Road Construction in the Area as of 1/28/25
BLEDSOE COUNTY SR-30 and SR-443, the grading, drainage, stream relocation, widening, and resurfacing on Summer City Road: The contractor will be performing grade work and widening on Summer City Road in Bledsoe County. This work will narrow the lanes at LM 2.0 and LM 4.3 and will leave both lanes open to traffic. Please slow down …