Two Juveniles Injured in Marion County Crash

Two juveniles were involved in an accident in Marion County on Sunday. The only information we have received from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is that the crash occurred in the 5000 block of Old Dunlap Road at 6:15 p.m. CT. Sequatchie Valley Now has learned through other sources that there were severe injuries to the Whitwell High School students. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol,…

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Two Die in Tragic Hiking Accident on Signal Mountain Trail

A tragic accident on Signal Mountain Sunday night. Two hikers died while trying to cross a creek on Rainbow Lake Trail. Signal Mountain Police said the two victims were close friends and are believed to be from Georgia. Somewhere around a waterfall at the creek is where law enforcement believes the woman fell in, and the man jumped in to try and rescue her. Emergency crews arrived on the scene…

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U. S. Postal Service wants to Raise Prices

The U. S. Postal Service recently filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission of mailing services price changes to take effect July 14, 2024. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents. The proposed adjustments, approved by the governors of the Postal Service, would raise mailing services product prices by…

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Another Successful National Cornbread Festival

Thousands were greeted by arts and crafts vendors, antique tractors, music, a carnival, beautiful weather, and, of course, the national championship cookoff at the National Cornbread Festival over the weekend in South Pittsburg, TN. Congratulations to the 2024 National Cornbread Cook-off Champion, Christine Siebeneck, from Ohio. Winning recipe: Spicy Shrimp, Sausage, and Black Bean Hand…

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School Districts in Tennessee can Officially Allow Teachers to Conceal Carry Guns

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has officially signed the legislation that would allow school districts to permit teachers to conceal carry on school grounds. The measure, which garnered significant backlash from teachers and parents—including Covenant families—ultimately passed along party lines despite repeated attempted amendments proposed by Democrats. According to the amended bill, teachers would be…

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Tragic Accident takes the Lives of Two Cleveland High School Students

Two Cleveland High School students died in a tragic car accident over the weekend, Cleveland City Schools confirms. Air’ra Wilson and Shytez Jackson died in the crash that occurred in McMinn County. Cleveland High School hosted a memorial vigil Sunday, April 28, at the school’s football field. Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal accident. Counselors are at the school for students…

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All but One Area Tennessee County Unemployment Rate Rises in March

Newly released data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) documented that unemployment rates have decreased in 12 counties across the state. Ten counties recorded rates that did not change from month to month, while 73 counties did see a slight uptick in their unemployment levels. Williamson and Moore counties both had rates of 2.2% in March. Area counties: Bledsoe…

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Booting Bill Heads to Gov. Lee

The Tennessee State House and Senate unanimously approved a bill that aims to prevent car owners from being unfairly immobilized by unlicensed individuals. The bill generally prohibits the booting of vehicles in Tennessee unless by licensed individuals through a local government. The bill also requires that car owners be properly notified should their vehicle be towed. The bill states that the…

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Bill would Fine Parents of Guardians for Child’s Criminal Offenses

A proposal that would allow parents to be fined for their child’s criminal offenses is headed to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his approval. The House approved allowing judges to levy up to $1,000 in fines against parents or legal guardians of children who commit a second criminal offense. The chamber voted 72-24 to send the bill to the governor after it had previously secured support from…

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It's Cornbread Festival Time in South Pittsburg

This week is the National Cornbread Festival. The carnival has begun, and the official festival runs Saturday and Sunday. Come on out and play games, ride rides, and enjoy wandering through the booths that line the streets of historic South Pittsburg, TN. Stroll down Cornbread Alley, where you can taste all the different recipes using the glorious creation of cornbread. Find handmade arts and…

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Marion County High School Wins Award for Voter Registration

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett recently announced that Marion County High School has won the prestigious Anne Dallas Dudley Silver Level Award. The school earned this designation by registering 85 percent of its eligible students to vote. “Exceeding the 85 percent threshold is a distinction achieved by only 51 high schools in the entire state,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I…

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Valley Fest May 4 & 5 in Dunlap

Don’t forget that more fun and entertainment is coming to Sequatchie Valley. Valley Fest is a two-day Family Festival in the heart of Dunlap. This annual event features a Carnival, Food, Crafts and Artisans, and fantastic Music. This is the 12th year for Valley Fest, and this year’s event will be held on May 4 and 5. May 4 headliner is Kentucky Headhunters. May 5 is T.G. Sheppard and Jimmy…

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Suspects on the Run after Police Pursuit that began in Marion County

A Marion County Sheriff’s Department deputy was involved in a vehicle pursuit on Saturday, April 20, 2024. While on patrol, Deputy Chris Layne noticed male subjects running from Kelly’s Ferry Church on Hwy. 41 close to the Hamilton County line. As he turned around, the subjects got into a vehicle and fled from the scene into Hamilton County on Hwy. 41/Cummings Highway. While in pursuit, Deputy…

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Unipower to Close in Dunlap; 29 Employees will Out of Work

29 workers will lose their jobs in Dunlap after Unipower announced they plan to shut its door permanently on June 30. Unipower makes high-efficiency power electronics, energy conversion systems, and power supplies. The Southeast Local Workforce Development Board will be responsible for the oversight of the continued follow-up of Rapid Response and Dislocated Worker services associated with this…

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Give Day for Chattanooga State is Wednesday

Wednesday is Give Day for Chattanooga State. It helps keep students in college! Many students face financial barriers, such as food insecurities, auto repairs, high utility bills, etc., which force them to work more and focus less on college or even drop out. Please donate on April 24 at chattanoogastate.edu/donate By donating on Give Day your gift will be tripled up to $5,000 per fund thanks to…

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Shredding Day is May 3 at Colonial Chemical

The Marion County Chamber of Commerce announces “Shredding Day” on Friday, May 3rd. from 9:00 AM until noon ET at Colonial Chemical, 225 Colonial Drive in New Hope. Shredding trucks will be there, accepting paper only—no cardboard or foam. You can take your shredded paper with you for packing.

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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's School Voucher Program Fails

Governor Bill Lee and several lawmakers have spent the last year pushing a proposal to provide universal school choice to all Tennessee students, better known as the school voucher program. However, the proposed school voucher bill is dead after lawmakers were unable to negotiate on certain stipulations. Gov. Bill Lee statement: I am extremely disappointed for the families who will have to wait…

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