Thanksgiving Day Facts

Washington, D.C. – In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims, early settlers of Plymouth Colony, held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest, an event many regard as the nation’s first Thanksgiving.

Historians have also recorded ceremonies of thanks among other groups of European settlers in North America, including British colonists in Virginia in 1619. [Read more]

Additional Retail Sales Prompt CPSC and Meijer to Reannounce Touch Point Heater Recall

Fire Hazard Posed

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. [Read more]

Tennessee Highway Patrol Earns Top Honors in Traffic Safety PSA’s

THP Won at Uniformed Safety Education Officers Workshop

Nashville, TN - The Tennessee Highway Patrol took home a pair of first place awards for traffic safety public service announcements (PSA’s) at the 2011 Uniformed Safety Education Officers Workshop (U.S.E.O.W.) held in Louisville, KY, on June 5th through 9th. The THP won in both the television and radio public service announcement categories.

The U.S.E.O.W., whose mission is to protect people, life and property through educating the public on various safety issues, welcomed law enforcement agencies from Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. This year’s event was hosted by the Kentucky State Police.

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Kroger Recalls Pet Foods due to possible Health Risk

Cincinnati, OH – The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets.

Kroger stores in the following states are included in this recall: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. [Read more]

Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in East Tennessee

Plans underway to survey and restrict movement of ash material in Knox, Loudon counties

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture today announced the discovery of emerald ash borer (EAB), the first detection of the destructive tree pest in the state. The discovery was made last week at a truck stop in Knox County near the Loudon County line.

“We knew EAB could potentially reach Tennessee, and we’re prepared to help slow the spread of the infestation and protect our forest resources.” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “We will be working closely with federal officials and other stakeholders to determine the extent of the infestation and to take steps to limit its spread.”

[Read more]