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Archives
11-19-2003
New Central Office facility now under
construction
New Central Office facility now under construction Dewain E. Peek/OCN staff A new Central Education Office is now under construction on Zachary Street. The 8,520 sq.-ft. building will have about 15 office spaces along with small rooms for parent meetings and a large conference room for Board of Education meetings. The building will use geothermal heating and cooling to save on utility costs. Mid-State Construction is the general contractor, and the facility is expected to be finished in the spring. Cost for the project is $912,589, which includes all new soccer facilities. (More on the facility can be found on page 16A.)
Flu season arrives early in Tennessee Tennessee Department of Health reported the first laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in the state last week, and urged people to protect themselves by getting a flu shot as soon as possible. Dr. Allen Craig, state epidemiologist, said, "It appears that flu season has arrived earlier than usual this year. Coupled with the fact that Texas has already seen widespread flu activity, we are concerned this might indicate a more severe flu season than normal. "Getting an annual flu shot is your best defense against illness." The state laboratory confirmed two cases of type-A influenza in Knox County and one case in Williamson County. In addition, positive "rapid-fluÓ tests (a quick test that can be done in doctor's office from a nasal or throat swab) have been reported in Knox, Madison, and Grainger counties. "Tennessee doesn't usually have laboratory-confirmed influenza until December at the earliest, with peak flu activity typically occurring in January or February," Craig said. "While a flu shot won't protect you against other viruses, it is very effective in preventing flu in healthy adults." Craig said that persons who want to increase their chances of staying well should get a flu shot without delay, but it is most important for those who are at high risk of developing flu-related complications. This includes: persons ages 50 and older, even if in good health; residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities; persons of all ages with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma; people with diabetes, renal disease, severe anemia, suppressed immune systems, or alcoholism; women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season; and children ages 6 to 24 months.
Great American Smoke-Out set for November 20 This year's Great American Smoke-Out will be held Thursday, Nov. 20. The following suggestions have been given to help individuals stop smoking: ¥Set a quit date. ¥Get support from friends. ¥Make changes before stopping. Get rid of cigarettes and ashtrays in the home, car, and place of work. Get rid of the smell of cigarettes in the car and home. Avoid other tobacco products such as cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. ¥Review past attempts to quit and think about what worked. ¥Remember half of all persons who have ever smoked have quit. For more information visit American Cancer Society's website at www.cancer.org.
Overton County News
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