State of Tennessee

State Sen. Ken Yager, R-Harriman, took the oath of office last week in Nashville as the 108th General Assembly was gaveled into session.

The oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice William C. Koch during the legislature’s three-day organizational session.

The year 2012 marks Tennessee State Parks’ 75th anniversary, and to kick off this year-long commemoration, each state park will host its own special hike in the first few days of the new year.

“We are very excited to announce Tennessee State Parks’ 75th anniversary and felt this series of First Hikes would be a fitting way to commence the various celebrations slated throughout the year and across the state,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau.

State Sen. Ken Yager, R-Harriman, has received the Legislator of the Year award from the Tennessee Community Organizations.

The honor was awarded during the group’s annual ceremony at the Doubletree Hotel in Murfreesboro.

State Rep. Julia Hurley, R-Lenoir City, has been appointed secretary of a newly formed Republican Caucus Energy Task Force in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Hurley, who represents Roane County in the state General Assembly, is among seven House members appointed to the task force by House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga.

The task force, according to McCormick, will “explore the various ways that the energy industry can provide a positive impact on job growth and economic development in our state.”