TN.gov Newsroom

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber and Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr today made public the ten TNInvestco finalists that have received the highest scores as judged against the TNInvestco scoring matrix.

State Earns Performance Bonus for Getting Benefits to Needy Citizens

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Human Services this week was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for having one of the nation’s top Food Stamp programs. Food Stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP), help low-income families put food on the table each month. Tennessee was cited as giving its eligible citizens the best access to the program and earned the top performance award of $3.3 million.

NASHVILLE – Janice Womble, currently principal of Deery Eakin Primary School in Bedford County, has been named Tennessee’s 2009-10 Principal of the Year. Connie Campbell, Director of Assessment and Curriculum Grades 6-12 for Jefferson County Schools, was awarded the honor of 2009-10 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. Both administrators were recognized at an award ceremony Monday night, during which the grand division winners were also announced.

NASHVILLE - “Tennessee’s ‘fun farms’ are in their glory throughout October,” says Pamela Bartholomew, Tennessee Department of Agriculture. “You can get everything you need for fall—including a good time-- in one place by purchasing fall décor and produce straight from a local farm.”

Farms that offer all sorts of autumn décor, from mums and pumpkins to corn stalks, gourds, Indian corn and straw bales dot the state. These farms often offer a variety of traditional farm fun right up through Halloween, as well. Many offer wagon rides, pick-your-own pumpkin patches, corn mazes, farm animal zoos, storytelling and musical evenings and all sorts of outdoor activities.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry and the state Fire Marshal’s Office are observing National Fire Prevention Week starting October 4, by reminding homeowners to follow simple safety practices to prevent forest fires. The official start of forest fire season in Tennessee is October 15.

“Despite the recent wet weather experienced in many parts of the state, fires are still a real threat,” said state forester Steve Scott. “It is still important that citizens call for a burning permit and follow outdoor burning safety recommendations.”

Tennessee Leads Consortium to Improve Systems for Unemployed Workers

Nashville State Community College Provides Adult Education to Davidson County

NASHVILLE – A federal court ruling involving the Arlington Developmental Center near Memphis will mean more federal money for services to people with intellectual disabilities in Tennessee. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee granted a state motion that will result in an additional $38 million that can be budgeted for medical services through the Division of Intellectual Disabilities Services (DIDS) and TennCare.