Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Inks Deal with Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Nashville, TN – Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons and Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott today announced an agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc., to begin implementing the first phase of a statewide radio system that will enhance the efficiency, safety and service of troopers across the state.

The department secured $39.2 million dollars from the Tennessee General Assembly for phase I of the project, which will be utilized for radio upgrades in the THP Chattanooga, Fall Branch and Knoxville districts. [Read more]

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]

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.”

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