#Sequatchie County News

[svalleynow]

Dunlap Man Arrested on Drug Charges

Drake Addison Buckner On the night of June 7, 2024, Dunlap Police were dispatched to the area of the Dunlap Gardens Apartments on a report of shots fired. During the course of the investigation, officers discovered an intoxicated male in the parking lot identified as Drake Addison Buckner. A search found a SCCY 9mm handgun, drug paraphernalia, cash, and several amounts of illegal drugs including…

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL SEQUATCHIE AND NORTHWESTERN MARION COUNTIES THROUGH 900 PM CDT... At 819 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Sewanee, or 9 miles east of Winchester, moving northeast at 50 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Dunlap, Monteagle, Fiery Gizzard State Park, Griffith Creek, and Cagle.

[svalleynow]

Sequatchie County Fair Begins Saturday August 19

The Sequatchie County Fair begins this coming Saturday. Pageants will start this off on August 19, with registration at 9 AM and pageants at 10 AM.  Carnival rides will open August 23-26 from 6 PM-10 PM, and each night there will be other fun events listed below. Admission is FREE

[svalleynow]

Tennessee Attorney General Secures Nationwide Win Against Biden Title IX Rules

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti secured a nationwide victory on Thursday against the Biden Administration’s Title IX rules. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky ruled that the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IX rules—rules that would have compromised girls’ privacy in locker rooms and bathrooms and required teachers and administrators to use…

[svalleynow]

State of Emergencies for Tennessee and Alabama

A State of Emergency has been issued for Tennessee and Alabama due to the winter storm. With snow, sleet, freezing rain, and freezing temperatures, if you are in an impacted area and do not have to be on the road, try to avoid it. There are warming centers nationwide for Tennesseans who may need a warm place to stay. TEMA maintains a map of the shelters operated by local officials. If you need…

[svalleynow]

TDOT Ready for Winter Weather in Southeast Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) can assure motorists it is stocked and ready to clear roadways of ice and snow. Salt supplies have been replenished in all the region’s 24 counties in preparation for winter, and crews have readied snowplows and brine trucks. “Our salt bins are stocked, our equipment is prepared, and our employees are ready to mobilize in inclement weather,” says…

[svalleynow]

ACT Scores Up in Tennessee; Sequatchie County High School has Strong Outcome

The Tennessee Department of Education released the ACT state results and participation rate for the graduating class of 2024. The overall statewide participation rate for the 2024 graduating class was 99 percent. In addition, the state average composite ACT score increased from 19.0 in 2023 to 19.3 in 2024. Districts that demonstrated significant growth in the percentage of students meeting the…

[svalleynow]

College Costs Still Major Hurdle for Tennessee Students

A new report from The Sycamore Institute reveals the persistent challenge of college affordability in Tennessee. Despite state and federal aid programs, many students still struggle to cover the costs of higher education. Brian Straessle, executive director of the institute, said maintaining scholarships is a challenge for some students because of academic, service or renewal requirements. He…

[svalleynow]

Post Offices will be Closed on Thursday

President Joe Biden has declared Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning for the late President Jimmy Carter, which means closures for some financial institutions and government offices. Carter, the 39th president, died Dec. 29 at age 100. Federal offices and agencies will be closed, though employees deemed ” essential ” will remain on the job. U.S. Postal Service will be closed, meaning no mail will…

[svalleynow]

TDOT Prepares for Winter Weather

With winter weather forecasted in the coming days, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will put brine on the roads and prepare to utilize its Highway Incident Response Unit, which provides emergency assistance to motorists. In anticipation of icy roads and freezing temperatures, TDOT has drivers prepared to work overtime. TDOT’s Transportation Management Center directs drivers to…

[svalleynow]

Tennessee Disabled Citizens Need More Income

In January, low-wage workers in Tennessee will be missing out on pay hikes seen in 23 other states. In the new year, the minimum wage will reach or exceed $15 an hour for some or all employees in eight states and 47 cities and counties. Jeff Strand, director of public policy for the Tennessee Disability Coalition, said the state’s current minimum wage of $7.25 an hour is simply too low,…

[svalleynow]

Ruby Falls Celebrating 96 Years

Ruby Falls, one of the most iconic attractions in Chattanooga, marked its 96th anniversary of discovery this past Monday. Located deep within Lookout Mountain, this breathtaking 145-foot underground waterfall was uncovered in 1928 by explorer Leo Lambert. Since opening to the public in 1929, just a year after its discovery, Ruby Falls has transformed from a hidden gem into a must-visit…

[svalleynow]

Keeping Your Home Safe During Cold Weather

Temperatures are predicted to drop over the next couple of weeks. Cold weather brings greater risks to homeowners and their families as more people stay indoors to keep warm. This winter, stay warm and safe with some easy-to-remember fire safety tips. -Keep flammable items like blankets, rugs, or furniture at least three feet away from space heaters and wood stoves. -Never place your Christmas…

[svalleynow]

First Day Hikes at Tennessee State Parks

Tennessee State Parks will hold First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day. Most of the 59 state parks will host the events as part of the parks’ year-long Signature Hikes series. The free guided hikes, led by park rangers, are available for all ages and abilities. The First Day Hikes vary from easy walks to strenuous excursions, and they can be a great way to meet New Year’s resolutions and be more…

[svalleynow]

Gas Prices Headed Downward

Motorists can expect slightly lower U.S. gas prices in 2025 as inflation eases and amid booming domestic oil production. AAA data shows that after accelerating for much of the first half of the year, pump prices dipped in the second half of 2024. According to tracking service GasBuddy, nationwide, a gallon of regular gas now averages $2.98, down nearly 12 cents from a year ago. The average price…

[svalleynow]

Local County Unemployment Rates for November

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development says that 91 of Tennessee’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates of less than 5% for November, with rates decreasing in 17 counties. Moore and Williamson counties recorded the state’s lowest unemployment rates for November at 2.6%. Bledsoe County rose from 5.1% to 5.4. Grundy County dropped from 4.3% to 4.2%. Marion County increased…