LOCAL FOCUS

The Tennessee county-by-county report brings you news from each of the Volunteer State’s 95 counties every Sunday. Items are compiled by reporters and editors from across the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee.

ANDERSON COUNTY: A juvenile was charged with arson in connection with a fire at an Oak Ridge car wash, the Oak Ridger reports. The juvenile was charged and released to a parent, a city news release said.

BEDFORD COUNTY: The Shelbyville City Council voted to pursue a $131,800 state grant with a 5% local match for the Municipal Airport Federal Aviation Administration control tower project, the Shelbyville Timesgazette reports.

BENTON COUNTY: The Camden Police Department and the Benton County School District are investigating a report of a sexual assault, according to the CPD. The school district said an investigation has been launched into the allegations.

BLEDSOE COUNTY: Bledsoe County Schools announced its district is one of 12 school districts across the state to earn Exemplary status from the Tennessee Department of Education. This designation is based on various performance indicators, including student achievement and growth for all students.

BLOUNT COUNTY: The Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Program will be held at the Blount Historical Museum, the Daily Times reports. The program includes the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s creation that is featured in a newly published book, “The Civilian Conservation Corps: America’s Second-best Idea” by Bill Deitzer.

BRADLEY COUNTY: The Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Commerce has announced a new partnership between Capstar Bank and Michigan Avenue Elementary School through the Business and Education Serving Together Partnership. The program allows a local business and school to work together throughout the year to meet needs as they arise.

CAMPBELL COUNTY: The Remote Area Medical Clinic is seeking volunteers for its March 23-24 event at Jellico High School. The RAM Clinic provides free dental, vision, and medical services to those in need in communities. For more information on services or to volunteer, visit ramusa.org.

CANNON COUNTY: The Cannon County Budget Committee has scheduled meetings at 5:45 p.m. March 11 and at 5:30 p.m. March 18 at the Adams Committee Room, 110 S. Tatum St., Woodbury.

CARROLL COUNTY: Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway has been hired as the next president of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Henry/carroll and will relinquish office, the Paris Post-intelligencer reports. He will transition to the new job effective July 1.

CARTER COUNTY: Country music singer and songwriter Riley Green will headline the Student Government Association’s Spring Concert at East Tennessee State University on April 21 at Freedom Hall Civic Center. The public can purchase tickets onlineonly starting April 1 for $35 plus tax. Maddie & Tae and Jordy Searcy also will perform.

CHEATHAM COUNTY: The Kingston Springs Board of Commissioners met in a regular session in mid-february to adopt the 2022 International Building Codes to be aligned with the neighboring Town of Pegram after agreeing to jointly share and pay for a codes inspector, the Cheatham County Exchange reports.

CHESTER COUNTY: The annual March Madness Book Bracket is picking up as we enter March. Students and teachers alike are encouraged to recommend their favorite books to be included in this year’s tournament. Then, each book will go through a bracket, just like real March Madness, to find out which book is the “best.”

CLAIBORNE COUNTY: Cumberland Gap High School announced Rylie Ditty has been named a Roan Scholar. The Roan Scholars Leadership Program is a premier full paid scholarship program at East Tennessee State University for students who have demonstrated the desire to become exceptional leaders with resources for career development and study abroad opportunities.

CLAY COUNTY: The Celina Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a $36,310 from the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program through the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office. The East Clay department received $41,520. The departments were among 196 departments in Tennessee to be awarded a grant.

COCKE COUNTY: Rhonda Pope of Cocke County is reaching out for support for her mother who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Rhonda’s mother has been described as a pillar of strength and support in her family and the community. Donations to medical treatment can be made at angelink.com.

COFFEE COUNTY: Coffee County’s Board of Zoning Appeals is working to correct violations of state law in how board members’ terms expire, the Manchester Times reports. Board members are supposed to serve fiveyear staggered terms, but recently reappointments didn’t happen and three members’ terms expire this year.

CROCKETT COUNTY: Bells Nursing Home, hit by a tornado years ago, is actively ensuring the safety of its residents, according to the WBBJ. Nursing home administrator David Mcbride said the emergency management team and its director, Steven Sutton, came to review emergency plans. Mcbride said Bells aims to prepare for any disaster that could happen.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY: Two men were indicted on counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, the Crossville Chronical reports. One of the men faces 16 counts of possessing “material that includes a minor engaged in sexual activity.” In an unrelated case, the other man faces a 30 count indictment charge of sexual exploitation of a minor.

DAVIDSON COUNTY: A bill that will require schools to develop emergency procedures to determine the cause of an activated fire alarm will now go to Gov. Bill Lee for signing. The bill was backed by parents from The Covenant School after confusion tied to an activated fire alarm led to the death of one student during the shooting.

DECATUR COUNTY: Robin Montgomery is backing a new cancer support group in Decatur County. A support group would provide benefits for people who feel uncomfortable talking about their health issues.

DEKALB COUNTY: Peyton Norris earned Dekalb County High School Class of 2024 valedictorian recognition, WJLE reports.

DICKSON COUNTY: A school resource officer for the Dickson Police Department saved a Centennial Elementary student from choking on Feb. 20, the Dickson Post reports. Tabitha Jennette noticed a disturbance at one of the cafeteria tables and was told that a fifth-grade student was choking. Jennette performed the Heimlich maneuver on the student, dislodging the food.

DYER COUNTY: The fifth most at-risk county for tornado damage in West Tennessee is Dyer County, ranked 428th nationwide, according to an Emergency Management Agency study.

FAYETTE COUNTY: Members of a gang in Fayette County have been convicted on racketeering charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the guilty verdicts of Tomarcus “TC” Baskerville, 35, Thomas “TJ” Smith, 24, and Courtland “Hotbox” Springfield, 32, all of Fayette County.

FENTRESS COUNTY: The Cumberland Mountain General Store in Clarkrange is reopening under new ownership. The Horst family will emphasize venders selling new retail items, and plans to open a restaurant sometime in 2024. Samantha Horst said. The Cumberland Mountain Store will continue to take part in the 127 Yard Sale, this year Aug. 1-4.

FRANKLIN COUNTY: Winchester’s City Council has approved hiring a Wisconsin firm to conduct a hotelfeasibility study for $15,000 to find potential hotel construction in the city and whether it would be a sound and profitable venture and used for hotel companies to rely on when deciding to choose Winchester as a location.

GIBSON COUNTY: Isaiah 117 House hosted a “Holy Graffiti” event. Participants had the opportunity to use a Sharpie marker to cover the wall studs of the home with Scriptures. WBBJ TV spoke to Jennifer Milam, the location leader of Gibson County, who said the event was a “great day”.

GILES COUNTY: The Giles County Commission voted down a resolution that would remove a beer sales restriction at establishments permitted to serve liquor by the drink, including restaurants, within 600 feet of a church or school, according to Radio 7 Media.

GRAINGER COUNTY: Two adults, a man and a woman, have been arrested and charged with harboring a runaway minor, the Grainger Today reports. The two have been charged with harboring or hiding a runaway child and contributing to delinquency. The man faces additional charges of two counts rape of a child.

GREENE COUNTY: Greeneville individuals suffering from severe lifelong disabilities may be eligible to receive in-home support services through the Family Support Program offered by Greene County Skills, the Grainger Today reports. The program enables disabled persons to remain in their homes and communities and stay with their families.

GRUNDY COUNTY: A former Grundy County deputy, accused of faking his high school diploma to gain employment as a law enforcement officer, voluntarily surrendered his certifications to the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, according to records from the February meeting.

HAMBLEN COUNTY: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. Mcwhorter announced Rich Products to expand manufacturing operations in Hamblen County. The global, family-owned food company plans to invest $27 million in Morristown and employ nearly 1,400 Tennesseans upon completion of the project.

HAMILTON COUNTY: The City of Chattanooga Council and the Hamilton County Commission voted unanimously to approve the Southside Stadium project, the Chattanoogan reports. The $115 million project at the long-vacant Wheland Foundry/ U.S. Pipe site is set to get underway after upcoming approvals by the city Industrial Development Board and the Sports Authority.

HANCOCK COUNTY: Powell Valley Electric Cooperative directors Tracey Sharp and Bill Surber and general manager Brad Coppock attended the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance legislative conference in Nashville. They met with state Sen. Frank Niceley and state Reps. Rick Eldridge, Gary Hicks and Dennis Powers to address key issues for rural communities.

HARDEMAN COUNTY: The Hardeman County Soil and Water Conservation District held a tree giveaway on March 1 from 8 a.m.–noon. All Hardeman County residents were welcome to participate.

HARDIN COUNTY: Authorities confirmed a domestic dispute led to a stabbing in Hardin County. WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News reports the incident involved a husband and wife at a residence outside of Savannah city limits.

HAWKINS COUNTY: The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported a Hawkins County school bus driver, Aleita Jo Gladson, was killed and two students suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle collision, the Rogersville Review reports. The driver of the second vehicle suffered unspecified injuries. Gladson drove a bus for Hawkins County for more than 30 years.

HAYWOOD COUNTY: Haywood County Mayor David Livingston promised quick work in selecting a county fire chief. Livingston began advertising the post complete with a lengthy job description.

HENDERSON COUNTY: Some good news following a wreck that occurred Feb. 26 on Interstate 40. Family pet Rosco was briefly lost after fleeing from a two-vehicle crash near mile marker 110 on I-40.

HENRY COUNTY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a loan of $7.946 million to the Paris Board of Public Utilities to replace water lines and improve water pressure in west and midtown Paris.

HICKMAN COUNTY: Hickman County will consider setting aside $100,000 to make the South Central Tennessee Railroad run again through the county, the Hickman County Times reports. The railroad runs approximately 40 miles west of Nashville on Interstate 40.

HOUSTON COUNTY: During her annual trip to all 95 counties in Tennessee, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, R-brentwood, made a pit stop in Houston County on Feb. 20 for an off-the-record luncheon at the courthouse with a few local officials, the Houston County Herald reports.

HUMPHREYS COUNTY: After a devastating and deadly flood took the lives of 20 people and destroyed numerous buildings in 2021, the Humphreys County Angel Tree Program has finally found a permanent home three years later in a local building known as Marilyn’s Flowers N’ Gifts, the

News Democrat reports.

JACKSON COUNTY: The Spring Fashion Show in Historic Granville is scheduled at 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 15 and 16. Fashions worn by local models will be worn. Cost is $30 plus tax and includes lunch, door prizes and discounts. Reservations can be made at granvilletn.com or by calling 931-6534151.

JEFFERSON COUNTY: Jefferson County High School students have designed and built their third “tiny home” in Steve Strange’s structural systems classes. The 128-square-foot home with kitchen, sleeping loft, living area and bathroom with shower will be ready at semester’s end and auctioned online, the Standard Banner reports.

JOHNSON COUNTY: Geese droppings at Ralph Stout Park have become a public safety issue and Mountain City leaders are seeking expertise on possibly removing the birds humanely, The Tomahawk reports. “They are not going to be shot,” Mayor Jerry Jordan assured alders.

KNOX COUNTY: Knoxville Catholic High School president Dickie Sompayrac is this year’s National Catholic Education Association’s “Lead. Learn. Proclaim.” award winner and will be honored at April’s NCEA Convention. Since 2005, he has overseen the growth of the school in enrollment, facilities and programs.

LAKE COUNTY: According to the most recent FBI data, Tennessee’s most dangerous town is not Memphis, Nashville or Knoxville. Ridgely is a tiny hamlet of less than 3,000 people located in the state’s northwest.

LAUDERDALE COUNTY: Danny Wayne Hill is wanted on warrants for assault 1st, menacing and reckless endangerment. If you have any information about Hill, please call the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office at 256-7605757.

LAWRENCE COUNTY: Flexco Products, a producer of tubing, steel and aluminum fabrication, announced it is bringing a $17.5 million investment to Lawrenceburg that will create 60 new jobs. Flexco will establish manufacturing and distribution operations, its second location in the U.S.

LEWIS COUNTY: Hohenwald’s latest residential development of affordable housing, Hohenwald Estate, which sits on nearly 14 acres of land, will have 56 housing units, with one-year leasing agreements for one, two and threebedroom options with rent starting around $550 a month for one-bed/ bath and around $750 for three bed/ two bath.

LINCOLN COUNTY: Lincoln County VEX VRC Robotics Teams 37334A, 37334F and 37334M recently competed in the 2024 Tennessee VEX VRC State Championship Tournaments in Brentwood against other top teams in the state for a chance to move on to the World Championships, the Elk Valley Times reports.

LOUDON COUNTY: A livestock processing facility at Bluestem Hollow is now open in Greenback. Bluestem Hollow provides a local option for livestock processing. Bluestem Hollow offers services tailored to the needs of local direct-to-market producers. The facility seeks to reduce the supply pressure in commodity markets and stabilize prices for Tennessee’s producers.

MACON COUNTY: The Lafayette Little League has launched its first Senior League Baseball division for ages 1316. The season will start around May 1, Lafayette Little League President Jacob Mcclard said. Babe Ruth League baseball for ages 13-15 ended in Lafayette more than 10 years ago, Mcclard said.

MADISON COUNTY: A group of officers visited Jackson Central-merry Early College High participating in a mentorship event. Jackson Police

Chief Thom Corley made a brief introduction and an officer made a presentation as other officers made food for the students to enjoy, including steaks.

MARION COUNTY: A high-speed pursuit ended in Marion County with the arrest of a Georgia man, reports Sequatchie Valley Now. The suspect, Jeremiah Johnson, was found to have active warrants from Hamilton County for aggravated assault and active warrants from Catoosa County, Georgia, for drug trafficking.

MARSHALL COUNTY: The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce recently announced seven new members: Ascend Federal Credit Union Reach, Derryberry Cabinets & Flooring, Hopetown, Marshall County Cancer Foundation, Maximum Velocity Youth Sports, Mothers Sub and Sassy’s Boutique.

MAURY COUNTY: Construction has begun on a four-story luxury apartment complex in downtown Columbia by Franklin-based Bristol Development Group, projected for completion in 2026.

MCMINN COUNTY: VEC Customers Share awards $2,500 in local grants to local organizations in Mcminn and Meigs counties, the Daily Post Athenian reports. VEC Customers Share has donated more than $7.8 million to community organizations. The funds come from VEC members who have opted to round up their electric bills to the next whole dollar.

MCNAIRY COUNTY: It was all gas and no brakes for Biggersville in the first half of its semifinal game against South Delta on Feb. 26. And that’s just the way the Lions wanted it. South Delta had no answer for Biggersville’s blinding speed and freakish athleticism, and the Lions stormed past the Bulldogs for a 72-48 win.

MEIGS COUNTY: The Meigs County Boys and Girls Club received a

$30,000 grant from Spectrum, the Daily Post Athenian reports. The grant funds will aid the Meigs County Boys and Girls Club by increasing their internet access to local youth by providing the organization with new laptops.

MONROE COUNTY: Monroe County Schools announced the health science students at Sequoyah High School, Sweetwater High School and Tellico Plains High School are using the Anatomage Table in anatomy and physiology courses. The Anatomage Table is a technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool for anatomy and physiology education.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY: Two weeks after announcing his plan to retire, U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-clarksville, reversed course, seeking reelection to Congress after a few Tennessee Republicans and former President Donald Trump encouraged him to seek reelection, the Tennessean reports.

MOORE COUNTY: Moore County voters cast their ballots in the March 5 primary election for three measures: increasing the local sales tax, reducing public readings from three readings to two and how the Urban Council is appointed, the Moore County News reports.

MORGAN COUNTY: A Cumberland County high-speed pursuit into Morgan County ended in a death, the Morgan County News reports. Authorities said Brandon Hughett was ejected from the car and died and the driver, Charles Hughett, was taken to the hospital with severe injuries. Both had warrants in the Cumberland County and Morgan County areas.

OBION COUNTY: The art work of an Obion County Central student has been selected as the new county seal. An online vote overwhelmingly selected the work of Jose Ramirez, a junior at Obion Central. The county commission also voted unanimously to accept the new seal, which is the first update in 40 years.

OVERTON COUNTY: Addy Stover Garrett of Livingston won the 2024 Universe United Mrs. Volunteer State in January, reports the Overton County News. Garrett advances to Hickory, North Carolina, to compete for an international title in June.

PERRY COUNTY: A federal judge sentenced a Perry County man to 14 years in federal prison for his role in an organized drug trafficking scheme. Randal “Roho” Tinin, 49, of Linden was sentenced to 168 months and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

PICKETT COUNTY: Pickett County plans to make a portion of Dale Hollow Lake near the Obey River campgrounds and swim area a Bill Dance Signature Site to promote tourism. The signature site project could increase parking and add other amenities, Pickett County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said.

POLK COUNTY: Benton Barber, Noah Peters, auditioned for the ABC television show America Idol in February. Peters is known as the “Singing Barber” by customers who experience his vocals while getting their hair cut and on Tiktok by his viral videos. Peters works at the Hair Place in Benton.

PUTNAM COUNTY: Prescott South Middle School won the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association girls basketball state championship in the AA classification. Prescott South Middle finished with a 28-2 record.

RHEA COUNTY: A Rhea County child tested positive for methamphetamine and the mother is facing drugrelated charges, the Herald-news reports. Rhea County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Rocky Potter said Dana Brown Spurlock was indicted and arrested after an anonymous tip about a child present in an active drug house in the area.

ROANE COUNTY: VEC Customers Share awarded local organizations in Roane County with $2,000 in grants, reports the Roane County News. Organizations receiving money are: Midway Elementary D.A.R.E., Operation REACH, Program and Salem Baptist Church Food Pantry.

ROBERTSON COUNTY: Portland officials have announced a $5,000 reward in their ongoing investigation into a series of shootings targeting a water tower on Highway 52 East that recently resulted in more than $10,000 in damages after bullets dented and pierced the holding tank, the Tennessean reports.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY: Excavation crews recently broke ground to build Rutherford County’s next elementary school on the westside’s fast-growing Blackman community. The nearly $59.9 million school project is expected to open by August 2025 on the northside of Baker Road near Blackman Road, The Daily News Journal reports.

SCOTT COUNTY: Wayne King was presented as Person of the Year by the Independent Herald and the

Scott County Chamber of Commerce, the Independent Herald reports. King had been announced as the Person of the Year in early December, and later died on Dec. 26, 2023, following a monthslong battle with liver cancer.

SEQUATCHIE COUNTY: Join Ranger Hannah for an adventure on the Fiery Gizzard! on March 23. Hannah will lead a 9-mile hike on the Fiery Gizzard Trail. Hikers need to wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in appropriate clothing for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks.

SEVIER COUNTY: Walters State Community College has received a $8,598 grant from the Simmons First Foundation to grow the college’s underwater robotics programs for middle and high school students. Teams learn how assemble, program and launch underwater robots. The money will be used to provide financial assistance to students in Sevier County.

SHELBY COUNTY: Mack Weaver knows a thing or two about Memphis in May. After 25 years with the organization – in various roles on the finance side, most recently as executive vice president and CFO – the 55-year-old Weaver was named Memphis in May’s new president and CEO in late January, succeeding longserving head James Holt.

SMITH COUNTY: Smith County Schools’ Forks River Elementary was named as a Reward school by the Tennessee Department of Education. The Reward designation is based on performance and/or improvement by meeting objectives across performance indicators and student groups.

STEWART COUNTY: Town of Dover Mayor Lesa Fitzhugh and City Administrator Charles Parks met in mid-february at the City Hall to discuss upcoming plans such as securing sponsors and a special guest for the 2024 Eagle Fest scheduled for May 17 and 18 at Dover City Park, the Stewart County Standard reports.

SUMNER COUNTY: As the dayslong search effort for 15-year-old Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers continued, prayer was top of mind in Sumner County after multiple vigils were held for the missing teenager at the center of a statewide Amber Alert, the Tennessean reports.

SULLIVAN COUNTY: Eastman Chemical Co. was recognized with the Volunteer STAR Award for its safety and health programming and performance, reports the Times News.

TIPTON COUNTY: A historical building collapsed during high winds in downtown Covington on Feb. 26, according to the Covington Police Department. Police said drone videos and pictures confirmed no one was in the building at the time when the site fell apart.

TROUSDALE COUNTY: Trousdale County plans to add its first license plate recognition cameras, with six to be installed when delivered, Sheriff Ray Russell said.

UNICOI COUNTY: The Erwin Police Department arrested and charged a North Carolina man with aggravated robbery, theft over $1,000, and tampering with evidence. Samuel Curtis Greene is accused of committing an armed robbery at the Dollar General in Erwin Village.

UNION COUNTY: The Union County Opry welcomes the performance of the Gospel Plowboys and the Scrapiron Quartet March 16 at Union County High School. Tickets and select seating are available for the event and kids under 12 years have free admittance. More information about the performance can be found at unioncountyopry.com.

VAN BUREN COUNTY: American Legion Post 207 is hosting dance children dance classes. The lessons are for ages 5-17 and occur every Saturday in April. All students must be registered by April 1.

WASHINGTON COUNTY: The Johnson City Jazz Festival returns for its sixth annual live jazz celebration March 21-23 at the Carnegie Hotel. The lineup of performers, dates and times are at johnsoncityjazzfestival.com. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at app.promotix.com.

WAYNE COUNTY: The Collinwood City Commission met in a regular session in mid-february to discuss the fate of its city pool, noting it had essentially become a “money pit” over the last few years and that the city can’t continue to operate it because of costs, the Wayne County News reports.

WARREN COUNTY: Warren County water won the region for best-tasting water at the annual Tennessee Association of Utility Districts competition, the Southern Standard reports. It’s the second consecutive win for the team and the third win in the last four years.

WEAKLEY COUNTY: One Westview High School student is standing at the intersection of two big events this week – National Scholastic Journalism Week and National FFA Week. Junior Kaitlyn Brundige’s path as a writer and FFA member highlights the importance of supporting student voices in local journalism.

WHITE COUNTY: The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is accepting applications for the first round of recycling and solid waste reduction grants this year for communities and other eligible entities across the state. Grants for education/outreach and organics management through March 15.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY: The Tennessee Department of Education and Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds announced that for the second time in six years, Franklin Special School District has been designated as an Exemplary District, the highest possible designation. It is one of 12 across the state.

WILSON COUNTY: Cumberland University in Lebanon broke its spring semester enrollment record for the second straight year with 2,858 students, the school announced. It follows a record-breaking 2023 fall semester enrollment of 3,072 students, according to the university.