September 1, 2026
News
TN: county unemployment rates
Eighty- four of Tennessee’s 95 counties recorded unemployment rates below 5 percent in January, even as most counties saw an uptick in their rates over the previous month, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). Unemployment rates in 90 counties increased from December to January. Rates decreased in three counties and remained the same in two counties. Williamson County reported the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 2.7 percent, which was up one-tenth of a percentage point from its December rate. Cheatham and Wilson counties followed at 2.8 percent. That was an increase of one-tenth of a percentage point for both counties. Perry County had the state’s highest unemployment rate in January at 11.3 percent, up 6 percentage points from December. Cocke County recorded the second-highest rate at 6.4 percent, an increase of 2.1 percentage points. Pickett County followed at 6 percent, up 1 percentage point from December. Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in January. That rate was down onetenth of a percentage point from the previous month but is still eight-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate of 4.3 percent. Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not adjusted to account for seasonal impacts on employment.
UDC chapter honors veteran
On April 18, the Kirby- Smith Chapter 327 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) honored Tullahoma U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Kenneth D. Banks with two UDC Military Service Awards. The event was held during the chapter’s monthly meeting at Medley’s Restaurant in Manchester. Bestowing the awards were Chapter President Ginger Delius and Rebecca Odell, recorder of military service awards. Banks was escorted by Chaplain Syble Throneberry. The recipient’s wife, Suzanne Dillard Banks, was present for the ceremony. Mr. Banks’ great-great grandfather, Issac Huddleston, served in the Confederate States Army, Co. L, 6th MS Cavalry Regiment.
Safe at Home protects against abusers
With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Secretary of State Tre Hargett reminds Tennesseans of the ‘Safe at Home’ program, a life-saving program offered through his office. The ‘Safe at Home’ Address Confidentiality Program and ‘Tennessee Businesses Against Traffi cking’ continue to provide resources throughout the year to protect victims of sexual assault.
Student Spotlight
The Grundy County Herald has invited each school to spotlight a stellar student. Pupils may be nominated for academic achievement, effort, improvement, good citizenship, or kindness, etc.
The Buzz at GCHS
This week has been a very eventful week at GCHS, students have been very busy taking TCAP and have been very productive. The next upcoming weeks are also going to be filled with many things to look forward to.
Paying for college with confidence
(StatePoint) If you’re the parent of a college- bound student, you’ll soon be receiving financial aid award letters. Making sense of these letters and planning your next steps can help you navigate the years ahead.
SAS Middle School Track Update
The Middle School track team traveled to CCS for a large invitational, facing some strong competition across the board. The meet kicked off with an impressive performance in the girls’ 4x800 relay, where Elena, Maclyn, Arabella, and Nora Jane battled to a thirdplace finish in 11:30.80. On the boys’ side, Fletcher, Davey, Alex, and Will placed 6th in the 4x800 with a time of 10:42.42. There were several standout individual performances and personal records throughout the meet. Eva Gheesling had a great day, setting PRs in both the 100m hurdles (22.04) and the 200m (34.20). Oliver Keener also had a big meet, recording PRs in the 100m (16.51), 200m (35.27), and 400m (1:13.54). Alex Glacet added to the team’s success with a PR in the long jump, clearing 15 feet. In the 800m, Fletcher Keener and Will Moody both ran strong races to earn PRs, finishing in 2:40.34 and 2:28.58, respectively. Overall, it was a strong showing for the team against tough competition, with many athletes continuing to make great progress this season.
Elrod breaks school record
On Wednesday, April 8, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee traveled to Siegel High School to compete against eight other middle school programs and delivered a strong overall performance. The girls were led by eighth grader Nora Jane Elrod, who placed third overall in the mile while setting a new middle school record and personal best with a time of 6:06.25. Maclyn Bloecher also turned in a solid race, finishing 8th in the mile.
Tune up your A/C before the first heat wave
There is nothing worse than the first truly hot day of summer, flipping on the air conditioner and getting nothing but warm air.