KNOXVILLE - During his Weekly Update today, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs talks about One Book Ready City, Covenant Health Park, election day, and more.

This week Mayor Jacobs helped launch the Fifth Annual One Book Read City program, which unites more than 32,000 elementary students across Knox County through reading the same book. This year students will read Wind Riders: Search for the Scarlet Macaws and participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for Scarlet Macaws that have found their way into more than 100 businesses across Knox County. Families also have a special opportunity to meet One Book author Jen Marlin at the Children's Festival of Reading  on Saturday, May 16.

“Thank you to the generous sponsors who make this program possible and help to instill a love of reading into our young people,” Mayor Jacobs says.

Mayor Jacobs also gives an update on Covenant Health Park, noting that in its first year it has exceeded many expectations.

“The sales tax it produced during its first year blew past our expectations. We forecast that it would produce about $950,000 in year one,” says Mayor Jacobs. “The actual number was $1.35 million, 42% higher than we thought!”

He talks about several other intentions he had for the new stadium, and how it has met those goals by avoiding additional tax burden, spurring redevelopment in the area, and enhancing quality of life through events and community use.

Finally, Mayor Jacobs reminds Knox County residents to get out and vote this coming Tuesday, May 5, in the primary election. Voters can find polling locations, hours, and sample ballot information at knoxvotes.com.