WMCT Local News
Governor signs permit-less carry law
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed the state’s constitutional carry bill into law. The new measure means Tennesseeans of certain ages will no longer have to apply for a permit or go through the required safety courses to legally carry a handgun. You would have to be 21 to legally carry, or 18 if you’re active duty military, and there would be restrictions against people with certain convictions like DUI’s and stalking. Passing of the bill means stealing a gun would become a minimum class E felony, and if you are convicted of stealing a gun, you would have to serve a minimum of six months in jail – far more than the 30 days you’d currently receive. Law enforcement has come out against the bill in part because Federal background checks amount to a last line of defense without the state requiring a permit.
Sheriffs Report
Several charges have been lodged against Joshua E. Humphrey of Gentry Creek Road. According to the Johnson County Sheriffs Department, on April 6th, he was charged with public intoxication. On April 7th, additional charges were lodged against him including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, evading arrest by foot and disorderly conduct. Also on April 7th, Stephen T. Hampton of Sugar Creek road was charged with parole violation, violation of seat belt law, reckless endangerment, evading arrest while operating a motor vehicle, capias, violation of light law and possession of drug paraphernalia.
State Representative Scotty Campbell, R, of Mountain City has officially passed his first bill as a member of the 112th Tennessee General Assembly and the House Republican Caucus.
The Bill passed on Thursday, April 1st. House Bill 115 changes the allowed weekly attendance time for a child participating in Parents’ Day Out or similar program operated by a religious institution or organization to not more than 12 hours within a calendar week. Present Law limits weekly attendance time to two days in each calendar week for no more than 6 hours each day. House Bill 115 lends more flexibility to parents and children’s schedules allowing the children to attend these programs for the same number of hours spanning over an additional number of days. Campbell said, “This Bill will benefit many families whose children participate in these programs.”
Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank “Special Person” Michelle Denise Walters
This week’s Special Person is a math teacher at Johnson County High School. Her name is Michelle Denise Walters. Nominated by Priscilla Davis, Michelle was described as an extraordinary math teacher, tutor, coach and mentor. Davis went on to say that Michelle is very passionate about her students learning math, her yearly teacher evaluations always reflect the highest of marks. She is a level 5 teacher and received the honor of being named WJHL’s “Educator of The Week”. Her other activities include, Cheer leading Coach and serving on the local scholarship committee. A member of the Johnson County Education Association, she participates in the 21st Century program and her involvement with Teachers Got Talent for United Way. In closing out her nomination Davis said, “we as a school are extremely proud to have her representing Johnson County!” Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank salutes Michelle Denise Walters. Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank provides full serving banking and is proud to be a part of our community. A member of FDIC and an equal housing lender, in Mountain City it’s Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank.
Johnson County Community Foundation Announces Grant Opportunity. Fund is accepting proposals until May 1st, 2021
Applications for grants from the Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF), an affiliate fund of East Tennessee Foundation (ETF), are now being accepted. Nonprofit organizations, schools, and units of government that are located in or serve residents of Johnson County are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.
Applications must be submitted online to ETF no later than May 1st, 2021. Grant awards will primarily range from $1,000 to $5,000. One-year grants will be awarded with a start date of July 1st, 2021.
An overview of the application process and access to the application are available online at http://www.easttennesseefoundation.org/scholarships-grants/grants/competitive-grants-and-loans-by-name/johnson-county-community-foundation
A technical assistance workshop will be offered April 19th, 2021 from 3:00 to 4:30pm. You may attend this workshop either virtually or in-person. While not required, we encourage all who are interested in applying for this grant to join us.
- The virtual option will be held via Zoom. Please email Ashley Siferd Butler, abutler@etf.org to RSVP and receive the meeting link.
- The in-person option will be held at the Johnson County Senior Center located at 128 College Street, Mountain City. Please email Trudy Hughes, thughes@etf.org or call (865) 368-8886 to RSVP to attend in-person.
The Johnson County Community Foundation was established in 2001 through the work of the Johnson County Champion Community Committee.
AEV ( American Emergency Vehicles)
One of Ashe County, North Carolina’s largest employers is now hiring. AEV, American Emergency Vehicles is looking to hire employees with carpentry experience, paint and body work, welding skills and general installers. AEV offers a $1,000.00 signing bonus and a great benefit package including insurance that is available immediately. To apply go online careers.revgroup.com and complete your application. Don’t delay, apply today to AEV, Jefferson, North Carolina.
For local News tune in to Mix 102.9 and AM 1390 at 7Aam and streaming at wmctradio.net, 12:06pm and 5:06pm Monday Through Friday
WMCT Sports
WMCT Sports will be covering the Longhorns Baseball game vs the Hampton Bulldogs on Firday the 9th. Tom Reece will be on the air with the pregame show beginning at 4:45pm with the first pitch going out at about 5pm.
On Monday the 12th, we’ll be carrying live coverage of the Longhorns vs the Unicoi Blue Devils Baseball match-up. Join WMCT for the pregame show at 4:45pm on Monday. Game time set for 5pm.
On Tuesday the 13th, it’s softball action on WMCT as Tom Reece covers the Lady Longhorns vs Elizabethton Cyclones game. Join Tom for the pregame show at 5:15pm with game start at 5:30 Tuesday afternoon.
Keep up with Longhorn Sports on “The Mountain” WMCT!
WMCT Programming
Coming soon to WMCT…THE UPLIFT! 3 hours of Contemporary Christian music on Sunday nights from 9 PM to Midnight. Keep checking here and listening to WMCT AM, FM and streaming for more details and the premiere date!