Local news
Officials with Robertson County Schools are imposing fines for students who use their cell phones in class. The district’s policy states a student is charged ten dollars for a first offense, and the fine goes up with each consecutive incident. Some parents have taken issue with the rule, saying it could place a financial burden on families who may not be able to afford the fees. A district spokesperson says the fines have been the only effective way to keep kids focused and off of personal devices.
Officials report that Tennessee families receiving benefits from the state’s Families First program will receive a one-time additional benefit next month. Families can expect to receive an additional payment of 500 dollars. Department of Human Services Commissioner Clarence Carter says that keeping up with the demands of the holiday season can introduce additional hurdles in caring for children, such as accommodating school breaks, providing extra meals, and so much more. This one-time boost in financial assistance is intended to help Families First participants overcome these temporary hurdles, positioning them to start the year off strong.
Gas prices are down this week in Tennessee. Triple-A reports the average price of a gallon of regular fuel in the state is now three-dollars-and-10-cents. That’s down 10-cents from a week ago and down 23-cents from where the price stood one month ago.
The population of senior citizens is growing in Tennessee. According to new data from the state’s Commission on Aging and Disability, there will be nearly two-million residents who are 60 years and older living in the Volunteer State by 2030. That group represents the fastest growing demographic statewide.
Post offices across Tennessee are bracing for the holiday mailing rush. The U.S. Postal Service has announced its shipping deadlines for packages to arrive by Christmas Eve. The deadline for regular ground service is December 17th. Priority Mail must be sent by December 19th and the Priority Mail Express deadline is December 22nd. The Postal Service is urging people to get their packages and cards mailed as soon as possible.
