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Safe Halloween activities for kids
Civic groups, church groups and businesses have an array of safe Halloween activities planned for children and their families in the region. A comprehensive list is available at www.tricities.com, keyword Halloween. There are “haunted” houses, corn mazes, trunk or treat events and much more for children, and older family members who love this spooky, fun holiday.
Many thanks to the volunteers and law enforcement officers who sponsor these events. Remember to watch out for children tonight, as they travel in search of treats. And consider visiting one of the many Halloween events held today and tonight in the region.
Injured bear cub saved by officer
A black bear cub that was struck by a car on Interstate 26 in Unicoi County is being nursed back to health with the help of a member of the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Heather Reams, a K-9 handler, responded to the incident on Sunday, that occurred in the Flag Pond area. The bear, which weighed less than 100 pounds, had been hit by a car and was bleeding from its nose and mouth.
Reams placed a dog collar and lead on the cub and led him away from the road. The bear was taken to Unicoi Mayor Johnny Lynch’s farm because officers could not immediately reach the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. A local veterinarian diagnosed the bear as having a concussion. The wildlife agency will transport the bear to a facility in Townsend, Tenn., and he is expected to make a full recovery.
Appropriately enough, Reams named the animal “Lucky.” Certainly he was. And the public is fortunate Reams responded quickly to remove the bear from the roadway – for his safety and that of other motorists.
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Highest sales tax in the country
We recognize this is the trade-off for having no income tax, but a study out this week shows Tennessee’s average 9.4 cent tax on every $1 spent is the highest sales tax rate in America.
The report notes that opponents of the sales tax say it’s most unfair to those least able to pay. That’s a nice way to say poor folks. Obviously, many Tennessee residents favor a high sales tax over a personal income tax – consider how quickly opponents mobilize when the words “income tax” ever pass the lips of a lawmaker.
The study comes from the Tax Foundation and staff economist Kail Padgitt, who notes that many states are changing tax policy to focus on certain segments of the population. This means “sin taxes” on items like alcohol or cigarettes or so-called “millionaire taxes” on wealthier citizens.
Padgitt said these targeted types of taxes seem to be the trend in many states, so get ready to pay more for the “bad” things you use, or for the fact that you might be wealthier than your neighbor. Unfortunately any discussion of economies of scale seems to be lost in discussion on tax policy.
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