NEWPORT-The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development recently announced Cocke County is now one of several East Tennessee counties where unemployment claims can be filed by either telephone or Internet at https://www.tennesseeanytime.org/labor/.

      Cocke County residents who formerly filed claims in Newport will no longer be able to do so at the Eastern Plaza office. Now, residents must call 1-877-813-0950 or file their claims on the website. Offices in Dandridge and Tazwell will be closing their doors to all service effective June 30 while the Greeneville will shut down Aug. 1.

      Before calling, a claimant should have ready his/her social security number, driver's-license number and employment data for the last 18 months of employment. Employer's addresses and phone numbers should be included as well. Hilda Lovell told the Plain Talk, "People can still come here to register for job services or look for work, but the unemployment claims now have to be done by phone or Internet." The Newport office can be contacted at 623-1108.