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 Joins Neighboring States to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse, Trafficking

Nashville, TN – In an effort to fight prescription drug abuse and misuse in Tennessee, representatives from the Governor’s Office, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and the Department of Mental Health on Wednesday attended the first meeting of the Interstate Prescription Drug Task Force in Ashland, KY.

Tennessee joins Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia in forming a multi-state alliance to fight prescription drug abuse on several fronts.

Law enforcement officials consider prescription drug abuse an increasing problem in Tennessee, which consistently ranks as one of the top states in the country for the use of prescribed medications. [Read more]

Tennessee joins Lapsed Boater Recruitment Program in an effort to increase Boat Registration Renewals

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is participating in the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Lapsed Boat Registration Pilot Program. The program is directed at increasing boat registration renewals among lapsed boaters.

Tennessee is the fourth state to implement the direct mail pilot effort developed by RBFF in partnership with the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Tennessee joins Florida, Ohio and Oregon.

“We’re thrilled that Tennessee is joining our pilot program to increase boat registration renewals,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “Boat registrations are critical to state fish and wildlife and boating infrastructure programs, and we’ve learned that if we simply remind boat owners about the joys of the sport and the important impact their participation has, they’ll get back out on the water.”

[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]

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]