With the REAL ID Act of 2005 taking effect in three months, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, TDOSHS, is expanding access by adding 1,432 additional REAL ID-specific appointment slots per day at Driver Services Centers across the state. The REAL ID Act requires anyone 18 or older to have a REAL ID …
Tag: New Hope
Close Before You Doze Reminder from the Jasper Highlands Fire Department
Jasper Highlands Fire Department says that February’s fire safety focus will be on the importance of sleeping with bedroom doors closed. The department reminds everyone that this is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to increase your odds of surviving a fire in your home. Look at the damage to this door and …
Be Alert to I-24 Road Construction
Drivers traveling on I-24 in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction that will temporarily impact traffic. As part of Phase 2 (the second of two projects) to widen and improve the I-75 at I-24 interchange, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews will reduce I-24 East to two lanes (from Exit 181 to Moore …
Flu Surging Nationwide
For a second time this season, the flu is surging, with at least 41 states reporting high or very high levels of the virus. Emergency room visits for the virus have shot up nearly 30% this week compared to the week before. The increase in cases has led to temporary school closures in places nationwide, including …
Programs Helping Seniors
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has introduced two innovative resources to address the needs of the state’s expanding senior population. The first initiative, TBI Find, is a mobile application now available for both Apple and Android devices. This app connects users with real-time information regarding Silver Alerts issued in Tennessee. After more than two …
Report: 20% of TN Children Under Five Live in Poverty
Tennessee’s “State of the Child” 2024 report shows some progress but highlights ongoing concerns. The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth report examines kids’ health and mental health, education, family economics, and childcare. It also looks at the state’s child welfare and youth justice data. Kylie Graves is the policy and legislative affairs director at the …
Billed Filed to Lower Handgun Carry Permit Age
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 …
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 …



