Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' Weekly Update

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' Weekly Update TRANSCRIPT: It’s Friday. Time for another weekly update. Like many parts of Tennessee and the Southeast, we are witnessing a substantial upward trend in our number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. All of us are being affected by this virus, even those of us who haven’t been directly impacted. I don’t believe that we can completely stop the spread of COVID-19, but we can help slow it down so our hospitals aren’t overwhelmed and we see large loss of life. It’s also important for our economy. A healthy economy requires healthy people and visa-versa. Doctors are recommending five core actions that all of us can take that will help delay the spread: physical distancing, wear a mask in public if you are able, wash your hands often, sanitize surfaces often, and, please, please, please, stay home if you are sick. Take these seriously. Lives and our economy depend on that. If you are looking for something fun and educational for the entire family, take a look at Knox County Library’s “Pilot Pursuit Adventure Game.” This free game is made up of enrichment challenges such as trying out a new recipe from a different culture, learning words in a foreign language, and identifying plants and trees in your yard. Learn more by going to KnoxLib.org. Knox County Schools are reopening with options for in-person classes and virtual classes. Thanks to Superintendent Thomas, the Board of Education, and everyone who worked very hard to develop this plan. Thanks to the Haslam family who is gifting $900,000 to Knox County Schools to help economically disadvantage families purchase insurance on the Schools’ new Chromebooks. Speaking of the Haslams, there are some changes at Pilot Company as Jimmy Haslam is stepping down as CEO. Shameek Konar will take over in that role. I wish everyone at Pilot Company continued success, and I’d like to send out my personal thanks to former Governor Bill Haslam for his continued involvement with various efforts in Knox County. Even though he may no longer be officially serving in public life, Governor Haslam is still working tirelessly to help Knox County and East Tennessee become even better places to live, work, and raise a family. Congratulations to First Utility District which received the Water Heroes Award from the Water Environment Federation for work during the 2019 flooding. Please check out our interview with the folks at Josie’s Boutique. It’s part of an on-going series that highlights small businesses in our community. Also be sure to visit ReadCityUSA.com as we enter the final laps of our 20 for 2020 challenge. Again, that’s ReadCityUSA.com. Finally, early voting for the August 6th elections runs through next Saturday, August 1st. Voting is a little different this year due to COVID-19, but the Election Commission has done a great job of making the process as safe and easy as possible. I know because I voted early this week. You can find more information at www.knoxcounty.org/election. Until next Friday, I hope everyone has a great week.