State of Tennessee

A new law has recently been passed that requires registered voters to show valid government identification with a photograph in order to vote starting Jan. 1, 2012.

This ID can include Tennessee driver’s license, passport, military ID or other valid state or federal government issued ID with a photograph.

“If you cannot afford an ID, one will be provided to you free of charge, for the purposes of voting only, at the nearest Tennessee driver testing center,” said state Rep. Julia Hurley, R-Lenoir City.

No U.S. state even comes close to Tennessee’s musical significance and global influence.

From the Mississippi River through Music City, U.S.A. to the Appalachian Trail, the sounds of Tennessee’s blues, rock, country, soul, rockabilly, Bluegrass, rhythm and blues, gospel and other musical influences have changed the cultural complexion of an entire planet.

The only options for Tennessee music lovers to tag their cars, however, were for Elvis Presley fans and a purple cat playing a saxophone.

Until now.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation welcomes the public to submit nominations for the Governor’s 2011 Environmental Stewardship Awards.

The awards recognize Tennesseans who go above and beyond to protect the state’s diverse environment.

“Tennesseans continue to make great strides in protecting our environment, taking care of our air, land and water through innovation and hard work,” said Gov. Bill Haslam.

New state Rep. Julia C. Hurley, right, has been listening to constituents such as Lynn Farnham since she was elected to the post in November.

Hurley welcomes the public to her first open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 5 in her new legislative district office in Harriman’s Temperance Building. Light refreshments will be served.

The public is welcome to stop by and express any concerns and ask questions before the Tennessee General Assembly convenes on Feb. 7.