Great Pyrenees being held in Erwin jail yard FLAG POND — A Great Pyrenees was being held Thursday in the recreation yard of the Unicoi County Jail in Erwin after the sheriff’s department received a call that the dog was trying to get into a house in the Clear Branch area. The sheriff’s department is trying to find the owner of the white dog, which is estimated to weigh about 100 pounds and is 1 or 2 years old, Sheriff Kent Harris said. To claim ownership, a person can call the sheriff’s department at 743-1850. Tri-Cities Airport receives grant from state DOT NASHVILLE — Gov. Phil Bredesen said Thursday that Tri-Cities Regional Airport, Blountville, has been awarded a $270,000 aeronautics grant. Funds from the grant will be used for improvements to the terminal public address system. The grants are made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division. Library to host medical play event today The Johnson City Public Library will host a children’s medical play event from 2-5 p.m. today. Children will have the opportunity to doctor and nurse stuffed animals back to as preparation for doctor and hospital visits. During the event, Kohl’s Cares for Kids will donate $21,000 to the Children’s Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center. In the past two years, Kohl’s has donated more than $37,600 to The Children’s Hospital through Kohl’s Cares for Kids. United Auto Workers retirees to meet Sept. 11 The Johnson City United Auto Worker retirees will meet Sept. 11 at the Pipe Fitters Union Hall, 121 Spring St., at 10 a.m. Joe Gennero from BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan will update the group on the medical changes in the union’s agreement with the auto companies. Retirees from General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, AMC and Delphi are encouraged to attend the meeting. For information, call 772-4777 or 743-8778. Golf committee meeting canceled The Public Golf Greens Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled. The next meeting will be held Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. These meetings take place at the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St. Seat belt month to be strictly enforced ELIZABETHTON — September has been declared Seat Belt Safety Month in Elizabethton. Interim Police Chief Matt Bailey said throughout the month officers will be checking drivers and passengers for seat belt use. He said violators of the Seat Belt Law will be stopped and cited. “Our department investigated 164 motor vehicle crashes in 2006 that resulted in injuries,” Bailey said. “Many of those injuries could have been prevented if the involved parties had been wearing their seat belts. “Officers have been conducting seat belt surveys throughout 2006 and 2007. We’ve determined that, on average, only about 70 percent of vehicle occupants use their seat belts. Statewide, just over 80 percent of Tennessee motorists use their safety belts. It is our goal to increase public awareness about the importance of using seat belts and child protection devices to enhance traffic safety in our community.” Bailey said.
