East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA)

06/11/2026

The Town of Oneida is pleased to announce the launch of TextMyGov, a simple communication tool that allows residents to receive important updates and access information anywhere using texting technology. This new government SMS service makes it easier than ever for the community to stay informed through a reliable text message from government officials.

The Town will officially launch this mass text notification system on Friday June 12th, 2026 Residents may receive an initial government text message from 91896on behalf of the Town to introduce the service. Participation is optional, and anyone may opt out at any time by texting STOP.

If you do not receive the initial message, you can sign up by texting the keyword “Oneida” to 91896. After sending the keyword, you will be asked to reply YES to confirm participation. Once subscribed, residents may receive government text messages related to events, important updates like office closures, emergency information, and more. If there are specific types of updates you would like to receive, please inform the Mayor’s office.

The Town’s adoption of TextMyGov reflects an ongoing commitment to improving public communication using modern and convenient tools. This service will provide a more accessible and responsive way to stay informed about what is going on in the community and receive government services. Many agencies nationwide are already using this texting technology successfully, and we are proud to offer the same benefits to our community.

Sincerely,
Lori Phillips-Jones
Mayor, Town of Oneida
View terms and privacy policy info at textmygov.com/opt-in-terms-conditions
Msg & Data rates apply. Please visit: https://textmygov.com/

06/11/2026

Oak Ridge group hosts a program on June 15 to showcase assistive technology and resources for those with vision loss. See link below ⬇️

📸 Special to The Oak Ridger

06/11/2026

The Sunshine Bus will be at the City Park today starting at 4pm handing out meals!

06/11/2026

Schools out for the Summer across our community! However, many families still struggle to provide meals for their families during the summer break.

Resources are available this summer to assist families who are struggling to provide breakfast and lunch for their children.

For the early part of summer, Blount County Schools will provide a free feeding program. The program provides free breakfast and lunch for all children 18 years and younger.

06/11/2026

Free Ride: Lakeway Transit to offer free fares in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary
• JUNE 10, 2026
BY DREW C. ROBINSON Tribune Staff Writer
Lakeway Transit has been running routes in Morristown since 2021 and while they are celebrating five years of service they are also getting in on the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the nation.
In the week leading up to July 4, Lakeway Transit will be have free fares for riders as part of their 250 America Gives program and they are inviting the public to join them in giving for a collection for 250 items for care packages for deployed troops.
We were coming up with some ideas to celebrate the 4th of July, and since this is the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we wanted to do something special,” Lakeway Transit Shannon Collins said. “So we decided to offer fare free days for the week leading up to the 4th of July. It’s a great opportunity for anybody who has never ridden the bus to try it out for free.”
But the staff at Lakeway Transit and its parent organization, East Tennessee Human Resource Agency, wanted to do something to bring the community together to do some good.
Anyone can donate to the project to get needed items to members of the military. They partnered with Soldiers’ Angels, a group that “provides aid, comfort, and resources to the Military, Veterans, and their families.”
“They can also drop off a donation if they would like to partici- pate in our drive to collect items for troops that are deployed overseas,” Collins said. “Soldiers’ Angels will be putting them into care packages to go to troops that are deployed overseas.
“I’m really excited about it — it is a cause that is very close to my heart. I have a son who is currently serving in the Army active duty. He’s not deployed, thankfully, yet, but I’m still worry about him.”
Items being requested include:
• Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, face wipes)
• Personal care items (combs, hairbrushes, nail clippers, emery boards, ChapStick, lotion, sunscreen)
• Socks
• Wet wipes
• Hand warmers
• Gum, mints and hard candy
• Small notebooks, pens, pencils and colored pencils • Crossword puzzles and other small activity books
• Protein bars, beef jerky, Slim Jims and dried fruit snacks “There are a lot of smaller items, so it’s not highpriced stuff,” Collins said. “It’s just things to kind of boost their morale and let them know that people back home are still thinking of them and that what they do is appreciated.”
Lakeway Transit, operated ETHRA, provides public transportation throughout Morristown using three fixed bus routes that connect residents with jobs, grocery stores, medical appointments and other destinations.
The service, which began operating in 2021, runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. using four buses and two Lift vehicles for eligible riders. In addition to standard transit service, buses are equipped with bicycle racks, and riders can transfer between routes through the system’s pulse network.
Lakeway Transit is designed to help residents maintain independence and access essential services throughout the city.
https://www.citizentribune.com/.../free-ride-lakeway.../

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

Did you know that Medicare fraudsters are more cunning than ever? Every step taken to protect medical identity, scammers are quick to adapt with new tricks. With Medicare Summary Notices only sent twice a year, it’s more important than ever to create your secure Medicare.gov account. But beware: criminals are impersonating trusted services like ID.me, CLEAR, and Login.gov using fake websites and phishing emails.

How to protect yourself:
• Only access your account by starting at medicare.gov. Never click a link in an email.
• If an email seems suspicious, don’t click! Pause, verify, and protect yourself.
• If you suspect your Medicare number has been compromised, report it to SMP at smpresource.org.

We’re highlighting this scam as part of SMP’s Medicare Fraud Prevention Week; stay vigilant and spread the word!

06/09/2026

Join us in June at the O'Connor Senior Center for National Safety Month! We will be focusing on fall prevention and having some festive fun for America's 250th!

🤹‍♀️Monday, June 15 & June 22: Fall Risk Assessment Clinics | Appointments available 1:30-3:00 PM | Free
🎗Monday, June 8 & June 15: Lunch & Learns | Registration Required | Free | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
🎼Wednesday, June 24: America 250: A Musical Celebration! | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | Free
🎆Friday, June 26: Stars & Stripes Cookout | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM | $5 Ticket

06/08/2026

ETHRA Transportation is GROWING! Drivers needed immediately! Scan the QR code below or go online to apply at: www.ethra.org

06/08/2026

ETHRA's Sunshine Bus with new wheels! Looking sharp and ready for 2026 Summer Food Program.