Handgun carry permits are on the rise in the listening area. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the numbers are rising because the cost for a lifetime permit dropped from $500 to $300 back on January 1. The amount of time a permit is valid increased from four years to eight years. Applicants must be 21-years-old. However, if a person is at least 18 years of age and is honorably discharged or retired veteran of the United States, they can also apply for a handgun carry permit. In the 105.7 News listening area, Roane County currently has the most citizens carrying the carry permits with 7,002. Second on the list is Cumberland County with 6,946 followed by Loudon County with 6,387, McMinn County with 5,970, Rhea County with 3,153, Morgan County with 2,444, Fentress County with 2,129, Bledsoe County with 1,350 and Meigs County with 1,347.