Grundy County News

While the national race appears to be the main attraction locally, several races in other parts of the state could decide the fate of Tennessee's General Assembly.  Republicans lack four seats from gaining a majority in the House and need to pick-up one to keep control of the Senate.

A year after Tennessee's ban on smoking in public places took affect, Doctors report an increase in people trying to quit.  The ban impacts most restaurants and office buildings.  Doctors say the law, by itself, didn't prompt anyone to kick the habit, but it did add to the list of reasons to quit.

One thing not going up next year will be health insurance premiums for folks in the Cover Tennessee program.

Governor Phil Bredesen says along with no rate increase...

Beginning January first, the state will double the number of annual preventive care doctor's visits to 12.

New health statistics show 67% of Tennessee's adult population face weight issues or obesity.  The state now hopes to shock some residents into healthier behaviors, by showing them exactly how much they eat each day.

After facing long lines to buy gas Thursday, area motorists today deal with a variety of dilemmas, from closed pumps and 10 gallon limits, to prices as high as $4.99 a gallon in Murphy, North Carolina. 

Tennesseans aren't fond of the color red, and not just for reasons relating to football.  The state faces another budget, awash in red ink, as tax collections fail to keep pace with expectations.