Bill Could End Primary Elections

A new bill proposed in the Tennessee state senate would change the way US senators are elected. The new bill would put state legislators in charge of nominating candidates for the position. Currently nominations are made by voters during a primary election. Supporters of the bill say that it is aimed at returning to a system closer to what was in place prior to 1913, when the 17th Amendment moved the senate election from the states to the people. If the bill is passed, it will take place after the next election.

Update on Range Backpack Program

Last December we told you about a program that helps to provide weekend food for students in the Tri-Cities. In order to help the students of Range Elementary, the report was sent out to churches near Range. Several people responded by donating to the program. An estimated total of more than $3100 has been raised for Range in the Backpack Program.

Possible Closing of Range Elementary

Parents of Range Elementary students fought for their children at a school board workshop last week. The workshop allowed the public to express their concerns over a plan to close Range and move its ninety-four students to Central Elementary. The school board proposed the idea to help save about one-third of their expected $1 million budget shortfall for next year.

Landmark Store Closes

A Jonesborough landmark closed its doors yesterday to make room for a new roundabout. The Five Points grocery has been doing business since the 1940s at its location at the intersection of Depot Street and State Routes 81 and 353. TDOT will be demolishing the property to make way for the new intersection.