The final week of January was full of varying temperatures and equally varying news stories, as Jefferson ushered out the month and said hello to February. Let’s take a look at the week’s biggest stories.

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Racist, Sexual Remarks in School Not Addressed, Parent Says

A parent of a Jefferson High School student said his step-daughter had been harassed by classmates for nearly two years, and the school was doing nothing about it. The parent is just looking for answers, he said, and wants it to be resolved as soon as possible.

Dogs Are ‘Being Murdered’ in Pound, Owner Says

The ongoing saga of dog owner Susan Kolb and her pet African Boerbels continues, as the Oak Ridge resident says her one remaining dog living in a pound will lead to its death and it should be released on house arrest until a criminal complaint against her and her husband, Gary, is settled.

Pub 199 Owner: ‘I’ll Be Back’ By Memorial Day

George Markou, owner of Mt. Arlington’s Pub 199, which was ravaged by a fire in January, said he’s already working on rebuilding the popular restaurant. The owner expects to be up and running before the unofficial summer kick-off weekend of Memorial Day.

Human Trafficking Rally Comes to Jefferson High

Under the direction of Jefferson Middle School social studies teacher Dan Papa, a group of volunteers working to end slavery and human-trafficking rallied at Jefferson High School recently as part of Project Stay Gold. Guest speaker Lynne Wilson of the Department of Homeland Security spoke with students as well.