I-81 Bridge Repair Work

Bridge repair work on Interstate 81 that will impact traffic is scheduled to begin Sunday, March 7.According to a release from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the repair work will begin Sunday evening and will close one lane in each direction near Mile Marker 59 (Colonial Heights).TDOT reports the on and off ramps to State … Read more

Carter County To Become A Sanctuary County

One of the items the Carter County Commission will consider during its next meeting on March 15 will be a resolution declaring the county as a “sanctuary county” for the rights and freedoms granted by the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.The proposed resolution was written by county attorney Josh Hardin and introduced by … Read more

Expanding Vaccine Coverage In TN

Officials with the Tennessee Department of Health said in just a matter of days it will vastly expand eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine.Starting Monday, the state of Tennessee will move to phase 1c. That means most health districts will be offering the vaccine to more people.The state estimates that includes about 1.1 million Tennesseans who … Read more

Man Jumps From Vehicle And Dies

A 34-year-old man died late Thursday after he jumped from a vehicle on East Oakland Avenue, according to Johnson City police.Officers were dispatched to the area on Oakland Avenue around 10:20 p.m. in response to an unresponsive man. When they arrived, the found the man, whose identity has not yet been released, with bystanders rendering … Read more

Scavenger Hunt In Johnson City

The Wildabout Walkabout in Johnson City features fifteen bronze animal sculptures installed in various locations throughout downtown Johnson City. According to a press release from the city, art students in the East Tennessee State University Department of Art & Design designed and fabricated the sculptures under the direction of professor Travis Graves.Scavenger hunt clue cards … Read more

Johnson City Educators Get Slight Pay Raise

The Johnson City Board of Education approved Monday a 1% raise for all employees for the 2020-21 school year using a $330,500 allocation from the state.The total cost of the raise will be about $550,000, meaning $220,000 will be picked up from the system’s general fund.The raises will apply in the current school year with … Read more

TN Bill Boasts Criminal Immunity

Tennessee lawmakers are considering a bill that would bring criminal immunity to drivers who hit protesters illegally blocking the road.The bill says drivers won’t face prosecution if they hurt or kill a protester illegally blocking a roadway if the driver ‘”exercises due caution” and hits them unintentionally.Lawmakers supporting the bill say it protects drivers from … Read more

Renovating The Johnson City Mall

Officials with The Mall at Johnson City expect outdoor renovations to be completed before the sunshine begins this year. Officials say the exterior renovation is taking place at the town’s center entrance next to Dick’s Sporting Goods.The planned exterior renovation includes a new greenspace, new outdoor seating, fire pits and festive lights. Renovations will also … Read more

Amazing Grace Official State Song

Tennessee lawmakers want the song “Amazing Grace” as sung by Dolly Parton to be an official state song.Rep. Mike Sparks (R-Smynra) and Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) introduced HB 0938/SB 1416 in February, which would make the hymn written by John Newton in the 1760s and sung by Dolly Parton as an official state song.

Amazing Grace Official State Song?

Tennessee lawmakers want the song “Amazing Grace” as sung by Dolly Parton to be an official state song.Rep. Mike Sparks (R-Smynra) and Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) introduced HB 0938/SB 1416 in February, which would make the hymn written by John Newton in the 1760s and sung by Dolly Parton as an official state song.