Hawkins County Closing Schools Friday To Thoroughly Clean Facilities After Uptick In Absenteeism

Due to increased illnesses affecting students and staff at several schools, Hawkins County School officials are closing all schools this coming Friday to thoroughly clean and disinfect all classrooms, common areas, cafeterias and buses. School officials have seen attendance drop to nearly 80 percent at some schools and are also seeing teachers, staff and bus drivers affected by both the flu and stomach viruses.