LOCAL FOCUS NEWS FROM AROUND THE VOLUNTEER STATE

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: The first annual K-25 Reunion is set for April 27, the Oak Ridger reports. The reunion will be held outside the K-25 History Center and is open to retirees, past and present employees, and contractors of K-25/ETTP, BNFL, Usec/centrus, or the Security Force. Event details can be found at k-25reunion.com.

BEDFORD COUNTY: First Choice Pregnancy Counseling Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary all year long. This will include 25 videos about First Choice released throughout 2024. The nonprofit also plans to build an “Unborn Memorial” by the end of year, the Bedford County Post reports.

BENTON COUNTY: Camden native Tanner Hudson was re-signed by the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League through the 2024 season.

BLEDSOE COUNTY: Bledsoe County School District is among more than 30 Tennessee school systems that have filed lawsuits against social media companies for protection of children across platforms, the Bledsonian Banner reports. The lawsuits seek accountability, tools, and resources to address the lack of protections, monitors, and cooperation to protect children.

BLOUNT COUNTY: A fire threatened homes off Old Walland Highway in Townsend, the Daily Times reports. Smoke covered parts of Townsend as firefighters from multiple agencies fought to contain a brush fire that threatened multiple homes by the Little River. The blaze covered about 50 acres before it was contained. No injuries were reported.

BRADLEY COUNTY: The Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Commerce announced the opening of stayapt Suites in the community. The apartment-style hotel offers 500 square feet suites with a dedicated living room, full-size kitchen, and separate bedroom. It also offers a secure outdoor courtyard with built-in grill, fire pit, and seating.

CAMPBELL COUNTY: Elk Valley STEM School won $5,000 as runner-up and an additional $2,500 as the viewers' choice in the Oak Ridge Associated Universities' Extreme Classroom Makeover competition this year, the Lafollette Press reports. The mission of Extreme Classroom Makeover is to improve STEM education in public schools.

CANNON COUNTY: The Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board that represents Cannon, Coffee, Rutherford and Warren counties will meet at 6 p.m. April 16 at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport. The agenda includes legal issues, including with Middle Point Landfill, and public hearing comments.

CARROLL COUNTY: One local school held a special demonstration for their students ahead of their upcoming prom. West Carroll Junior and Senior High School held a mock crash presentation for their students to show the potential dangers of drinking and driving.

CARTER COUNTY: A local agriculture teacher, Jerry Agan, invites community members interested in a 10-day tour exploring agriculture in Ireland during Summer 2026, the Elizabethton Star reports. A meeting is scheduled for April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Elizabethton High School Commons. The tour aims to provide a look at Ireland's agricultural practices.

CHEATHAM COUNTY: Of the $7.2 billion in federal funding given to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works program, $13,336,000 has been allocated towards the repair of navigation lock filling and emptying valves at Cheatham Lock and Dam in Ashland City, the Tennessean reports.

CHESTER COUNTY: A local high school is putting the finishing touches on a spring musical production. Chester County High School is holding rehearsals for the musical “Catch Me If You Can” at Williams Auditorium in Henderson. Twelve seniors have been working for several months leading up to the opening of this musical.

CLAIBORNE COUNTY: A magnitude 1.8 earthquake hit the Kentuckytennessee border region and Claiborne County in early April, the Claiborne Progress reports. The quake had a shallow depth of 10 miles and was too small to be felt by people. The area has had 4 earthquakes above magnitude 4 since 1970.

CLAY COUNTY: Pam Goad was selected Clay County's adult honoree Kyndra Reagan the youth recipient for the 2023 Governor's Volunteer Stars Award, an initiative to recognize outstanding volunteers. Goad was recognized for starting a Halloween trick-or-treat program. Reagan was noted for photography efforts that included local sports and the fair.

COCKE COUNTY: Cocke County agricultural producers are eligible to apply for a U.S. Department of Agriculture emergency loan, the Newport Plain Talk reports. Cocke County has been declared a contiguous disaster county due to drought. Under this designation, persons with agricultural operations are eligible to apply for low interest emergency loans.

COFFEE COUNTY: Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny was found dead in his car outside his house in Tullahoma, The Tennessean reports. Tullahoma police referred the death investigation to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, though no foul play is suspected.

CROCKETT COUNTY: Police in Bells stopped two men on their way to deliver drugs to prison using a drone. In the car, police said officers found and seized 48 fentanyl pills, 3.5 pounds of tobacco, multiple cell phones with chargers, paraphernalia, memory cards, mesh bags and a drone with controller.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY: The annual Blue-ribbon Ceremony will be held at the Cumberland Community Complex on April 21, the Crossville Chronicle reports. The event promotes awareness on the importance of protecting children from abuse. There were 745 assigned reported cases of child abuse in Cumberland County, with a total of 1712 children affected in 2023.

DAVIDSON COUNTY: About 84% of respondents in Vanderbilt University's latest Nashville poll support moving forward with a citywide transit funding vote in November, The Tennessean reports. The poll's results show support for the transit referendum across political parties: 92% support from Democrats, 86% from independents and 70% from Republicans.

DECATUR COUNTY: Sasabe, a new book by K. A. Ray of Parsons, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co. K. A. Ray is a retired trucker who started writing to relieve the long hours of boredom spent at truck stops.

DEKALB COUNTY: Mathias Anderson accepted recent appointment on the Dekalb County Commission to fill the seat recently vacated by Seventh District Commissioner Tim Reynolds, the Smithview Review reports.

DICKSON COUNTY: The City of Charlotte is considering purchasing a snowplow and salt spreader, the Dickson Post reports. The council approved $8,100 for the 2024-2025 city budget for the purchase.

DYER COUNTY: Coming off a pair of disappointing losses last week in District 13AAA play, Dyersburg's softball team opened the week off with a strong performance April 1 as the Lady Trojans battled from an early deficit twice to take an 11-3 win over visiting Munford at Doug French

Field.

FAYETTE COUNTY: Fayette County Public Schools is now hiring for all positions for the 2024-25 school year. The district offers stipends for hardto-fill jobs and hires may qualify for loan forgiveness. The district also is increasing teacher salaries. Apply online at fcsk12.mysmarthire.com/ jobs.

FENTRESS COUNTY: Nekia Clark was selected as Fentress County's youth honoree for the 2023 Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. Clark helped organize a back to school event as an intern with the chamber of commerce. Clark also has worked on the Fentress County Agricultural Youth Fair Board and was a group leader for Tennessee Teen Institute.

FRANKLIN COUNTY: Franklin County Chamber of Commerce started the beginning of April with a ribboncutting for the opening of Franklin House, a small-town getaway with eight rooms and an in-house Firefly Gallery showcasing artists, located at 108 Cumberland St in Cowan with a ribbon-cutting welcoming.

GIBSON COUNTY: First responders were on the scene of a train and car collision April 3 in Humboldt. According to officials with the Humboldt Fire Department, they responded to the call around 8:05 p.m. A WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News video showed a vehicle with heavy damage pressed against a stopped train car. No injuries were reported.

GILES COUNTY: Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed in March several projects moving forward such as pickleball and basketball courts to be completed May 1, upgrades to the sewer system and a fencing project for the airport, reports the Pulaski Citizen.

GRAINGER COUNTY: The Grainger County Emergency Communications Center has announced the center will begin accepting texts for help to 911, reports Grainger Today. Wireless customers will be able to text up to 140 characters to 911 in an emergency when placing a voice call is not possible.

GREENE COUNTY: Two people helped save the life of a woman who was choking at the Greeneville Chick-fil-a restaurant, the Greeneville Sun reports. Jacques Hensley and Karen Baker successfully preformed the Heimlich maneuver. Hensley and Baker will receive free food at the restaurant all year, according to the restaurant's owner and operator, Mitch Edge.

GRUNDY COUNTY: Grundy County commissioners took one step forward on a planned water and sewer expansion in Pelham, the Grundy County Herald reports. The commission approved a consulting engineer for the estimated $12.5 million project, which must be complete by 2026 per their grant funding.

HAMBLEN COUNTY: Two students from Walters State Community College have been recognized as Cocacola Scholars, the Claiborne Progress reports. Kelly Nguyen, a biology major, was named a Coca-cola Gold Scholar and received a $1,500 scholarship. Melody Hawkins, a social work major, was named a Coca-cola Silver Scholar and received a $1,250 scholarship.

HAMILTON COUNTY: The $9 million Mountain City Club sale has closed, the Chattanoogan reports. The club, chartered in 1889, will move to a leased space in the Gilman Building. The sale was to Ken and Byron Defoor, who have been developing the West Village centered on the former Bluecross Gold Building.

HANCOCK COUNTY: The Sneedville FFA won the East Tennessee Regional Farm Business Contest. Sneedville FFA members Liz Bowlin, Shooter Dean, Aiden Green and Mckynzie Roberts won the East Tennessee

Regional Farm Business Management Contest in Gatlinburg. This is Sneedville FFA'S ninth straight year winning this competition.

HARDEMAN COUNTY: Girls Who Code Club wrapped up its first session ever held in Hardeman County before spring break with 10 girls from both Bolivar Middle School and Bolivar Central High School participating. The free program was offered February through March 2024 to introduce and encouraged Hardeman County 6-12 grade girls to code.

HARDIN COUNTY: April 6 and April 7 marked 162 years since Union and Confederate armies clashed in West Tennessee. The Shiloh National Military Park recognized the anniversary with historians who taught about tactics, drills and firing procedures employed by the infantry, cavalry and artillery during the American Civil War. There were also arms demonstrations.

HAWKINS COUNTY: A black bear was recorded by a doorbell camera in downtown Rogersville, reports the Rogersville Review. A doorbell camera on Huffmaster Street in downtown Rogersville captured video of a bear walking along the street past residences and businesses and sniffing around porches.

HAYWOOD COUNTY: Haywood County officials are digging for answers into the theft of large farming equipment in Haywood County. The Haywood County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help to find a mini excavator that was stolen from Joyner Hill Road on April 3. Investigators ask anyone with information about the theft to call 731-772-6158.

HENDERSON COUNTY: Harold Rushing, former assistant fire chief for the Henderson County Fire Department, has died at age 85. Rushing served in the position in the 1990s.

HENRY COUNTY: The Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge hosted a solar eclipse watch party April 8. There were crafts and coloring sheets for the kids and background music to accompany the nature symphony that is always playing at the refuge.

HICKMAN COUNTY: Lazestar will not come to Hickman County after pulling out of a $5 million industrial investment, the Hickman County Times reports. The company, specializing in laser sealing and package fabrication, would have created 25 new jobs.

HOUSTON COUNTY: An estimated 30,000 people gathered on March 16 in Erin to enjoy all-day activities at the Houston County 62nd Irish Day Celebration like watching the parade, shopping dozens of vendors and showing off their moves at the Shamrock and Roll Dance, the Houston County Herald reports.

HUMPHREYS COUNTY: The Humphreys County Full Commission met in a regular session on March 11 to accept a 5% matching grant of $565,589 to rehabilitate the airport maintenance hangar at the Humphrey's County Airport in Waverly, the News Democrat reports.

JACKSON COUNTY: Jackson County's unemployment rate in February dropped to 3.7% after it was 4.3% in January, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Tennessee's unemployment rate in February was 3.3%.

JEFFERSON COUNTY: Carson Newman University in March unveiled the Moser Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, expanding learning opportunities for both students and the business community. Named in honor of sixth-generation Jefferson County entrepreneur Jay Moser, the center complements development of a new

JOHNSON COUNTY: Johnson County Schools joined a lawsuit against social media companies, citing a mental health crisis among preteens and teens. Schools Director Mischelle Simcox said in The Tomahawk that school systems and school counselors are left to deal with the effects of the “social media epidemic.”

KNOX COUNTY: Marble City Opera has hired Frank Murphy as its managing director. A host and producer in radio and television, Murphy will continue to appear on East Tennessee PBS'S high school quiz show “Tennessee Scholars' Bowl” and as host and producer of the interview show “Up Close.”

LAKE COUNTY: The Lake County Banner has an immediate opening for a part-time reporter. Send resume to: scott@magicvalleypublishing.com.

LAUDERDALE COUNTY: A new Safe Haven Baby Box, a device that allows mothers to surrender their newborns safely, was installed at a Halls fire station, Rural Metro announced April 4. There are now four boxes in the state, three of which are in East Tennessee. In total, there are 214 Safe Haven Baby Boxes nationwide.

LAWRENCE COUNTY: Twenty-three businesses are seeking to interview and hire at the American Job Center at the Lawrenceburg Public Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18. Along with many businesses, education counselors will be available to speak about different career options.

LEWIS COUNTY: The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald is celebrating Earth Day with its second annual “Trashercise” cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon April 20. Volunteers will collect trash and recycling to be dropped off at The Discovery Center's Outdoor Classroom and meet the retired elephant.

LINCOLN COUNTY: Festivalgoers are set to gather in downtown Fayetteville on April 20 for the annual Slawburger Festival in celebration of the local “slawburger” – an all-beef patty topped with a sweet and tangy mustard-based slaw – born at Honey's Restaurant in Fayetteville in 1923, the Elk Valley Times reports.

LOUDON COUNTY: Loudon County amended a complaint it filed against Lenoir City, the News-herald reports. Loudon County has submitted an amended complaint in a lawsuit that alleges Lenoir City's purported annexation of two properties, Mountain View Estates and WNW Properties 5, have stripped the county of its rights to protect its interests.

MACON COUNTY: Macon County commissioners are considering a wheel tax increase to pay for a new vocational school building for high school students, said County Mayor Steve Jones. The vocational school would cost approximately $18.5 million and would be adjacent to Macon County High, Jones said.

MADISON COUNTY: The Tennessee Department of Corrections held a job and resource fair March 28 at its Community Resource Center in Jackson for incarcerated people. It was dubbed the "One-stop Reentry Shop."

MARION COUNTY: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said a fatal dirt bike crash took place at Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area, the Sequatchie Valley Now reports. A motorcyclist discovered and reported the accident off Sulphur Branch Road. The man who died, Robert Micah Boaz, a 47-year-old Catoosa County resident, was wearing a helmet.

MARSHALL COUNTY: Marshall County residents can meet with the Chamber at Famous Rent a Car, 814 West Commerce, from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

April 16.

MAURY COUNTY: Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill shipped its first battery cells to General Motors for the Cadillac Lyric, a milestone representing the culmination of two-and-a-half years of work, reports the Daily Herald.

MCMINN COUNTY: A driver and vehicle ended up in Conasauga Creek after fishing, the Daily Post Athenian reports. A driver backed off a steep embankment into the creek on County Road 475 in Etowah. The driver was not injured.

MCNAIRY COUNTY: “Hee-haw,” the family-friendly show featuring country songs and comedy skits, came back April 11-13 to Mcnairy County High School's Little Theatre for the 35th year. It mirrored the old television show ‘Hee-haw' that featured country music singers, many from the Grand Ole Opry. All money raised went to the American Cancer Society.

MEIGS COUNTY: Meigs County's unemployment rate fell in February, the Daily Post Athenian reports. According to the State of Tennessee, Meigs County had a rate of 4.2% for the month of February, which is a 1.6% decline from January. This moves Meigs County to the fourthhighest unemployment rate in the state.

MONROE COUNTY: The first story stroll in Monroe County took place in Tellico, the Advocate and Democrat reports. The Monroe County Health Council CARES grant has provided residents a unique way to read in the park. Travis Hamilton and Tellico Plains FFA students constructed and installed 20 story stroll stands along the Tellico Plains walking trail.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY: As officials prepare to open a new school this fall, Clarksville-montgomery County School Board members are reviewing potential names for a new elementary school – the school district's 26th elementary school – set to open in 2025, the Leaf Chronicle reports.

MOORE COUNTY: After Tennessee State University President Dr. Glenda Glover announced her retirement in August 2023, the TSU Board of Trustees began the search for her successor, recently naming three finalists, including Motlow State Community College President Dr. Michael Torrence, the Moore County News reports.

MORGAN COUNTY: The Morgan County Tourism Alliance will host its 9th annual Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival May 17-18, reports the Morgan County News. The festival will be held at the Courthouse Square in Wartburg and will have events and activities for people of all ages and interests.

OBION COUNTY: Union City impressively ran past seven other schools in a late March home home track meet. The Tornado boys recorded eight first-place finishes on their way to a 201-point day, while the girls had five first-place showings to easily claim the team championship with 181 total points.

OVERTON COUNTY: A statue will be unveiled at the Millard Oakley Public Library in Livingston at 4:30 p.m. April 19, the library's Judith Cutright said. The statue will be library related. A reception will follow. The statue will include a memorial plaque in memory of Linda Winningham Lamson, a large donor to the library.

PERRY COUNTY: The body of a missing man was found April 5 in Perry County. The body of James Wray was discovered today in a pond Perry County. Wray has been missing since Feb. 6, when he was last seen at Fat Man's Gas Station near the Decaturperry County line.

PICKETT COUNTY: Pickett County's 4.1% unemployment rate in February was among the state's highest, but a drop from 5% in January, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The state's overall unemployment rate in February was 3.3%.

POLK COUNTY: Brett Graves of Hayesville, North Carolina, was named the new football coach at Copper Basin High School, the Polk County News reports. Graves was hired after the resignation of former head football coach Chad Grabowski, who coached the Cougars for the past six years.

PUTNAM COUNTY: Two Putnam County boys basketball teams went to the state tournament this past season. Cookeville High finished second in Class 4A with a 32-4 record. It was the first time Cookeville advanced to the state tournament. Upperman went 30-5 overall and advanced to the final four of Class 3A.

RHEA COUNTY: The Food Truck Rally is returning to downtown Dayton, the Herald-news reports. Mainstreet Dayton, the Rhea County government, Y-12 Federal Credit Union and the The Chef's Workshop are working together to bring food truck rallies to the Rhea County Courthouse lawn in April.

ROANE COUNTY: The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission has suspended the license of Victorian Square Assisted Living in Rockwood, the Roane County News reports. According to the suspension order, multiple problems were found when surveyors visited the facility, including a bed bug infestation and improperly stored biohazard material.

ROBERTSON COUNTY: The City of Springfield approved a contract with Safe Haven Baby Boxes – an organization helping mothers in crisis anonymously, legally and safely leave their newborns – to install its first box at the Springfield Fire Department's Station 2, the Robertson County Connection reports.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY: Murfreesboro residents may see their monthly trash hauling bill increase by about $2 per cart starting in July. The proposed increase is part of a plan that will raise monthly residential bills from $9.50 to $11.50 per cart, the Daily News Journal reports.

SCOTT COUNTY: Scott County's unemployment rate plunged to 3.7% in February according to statistics released by the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

SEQUATCHIE COUNTY: The Sequatchie County Sheriff's office has received a donation from the Project K-9 Hero to purchase and train a police dog for narcotics detection and tracking, Sequatchie Valley Now reports.

SEVIER COUNTY: The Sevier County Public Library System will waive fines in exchange for items for the Senior Citizen's Christmas Fine Waive Drive. Two full-sized toiletry/hygiene items, two new washcloths, or one new, full-sized bath towel will exempt people from paying fines they owe. The items will be surprise gifts for Sevier County senior citizens.

SHELBY COUNTY: Whataburger is coming to Midtown Memphis. Marissa Higgins of Kimley-horn Associates filed a major modification permit in late March with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development for a Whataburger at 1925 Union Ave.

SMITH COUNTY: Smith County High School's Winni Zhao was selected to be part of the Top Honor Band at Tennessee Tech University's 61st Annual Festival of Winds and Percussion. Winni plays the clarinet. Students , April Cowell, John Rosales and Victoria Segura were selected for the Austin Peay State University Honor Band Festival.

STEWART COUNTY: The Stewart County Nonprofit Committee met at the Visitor Center on March 19 to discuss and approve the amount of money local nonprofits would receive in 2024, providing 21 nonprofits with $226,050, $11,100 more than in 2023, the Stewart County Standard reports.

SUMNER COUNTY: The search for a missing Nashville-area teenager with autism who disappeared more than a month ago gained momentum once again after Tennessee officials announced a pair of his eyeglasses were found, The Tennessean reports.

SULLIVAN COUNTY: Tony Slaughter of Tony Slaughter Farms in Kingsport has received the Food City's 2024 Wayne Scott Memorial Grower of the Year Award, the Erwin Record reports. Slaughter has been featured in several magazines for his contribution to farming and selected as a panel member for seminars with new farmers.

TIPTON COUNTY: Tipton County could soon be home to a new juvenile detention center. Sheriff Shannon Beasley says it's a part of the effort to crack down on juvenile crime in the area. That's why Sheriff Beasley wants to build a juvenile detention center right in the 25th judicial district.

TROUSDALE COUNTY: Trousdale County's unemployment rate in February was 2.7%, a drop from 3.5% in January, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Tennessee's unemployment rate in February was 3.3%. Trousdale County had 156 unemployed residents out of a labor force listed at 5,876.

UNICOI COUNTY: An injunction to stop an arrangement between the Jack Davis Foundation and Christ Song Ministry to establish a prison ministry program at the historic Davis Springs Farm in Limestone Cove is in process, the Erwin Record reports. Hunter-smith-davis law firm has been retained by 50 members of the Unicoi/limestone Cove community to stop the program.

UNION COUNTY: Union County Schools is introducing the first electric school bus to KUB'S service area. Union County Public Schools will plug in two electric school buses, the first time a school bus powered by electricity will serve KUB'S service territory.

VAN BUREN COUNTY: The VBC family resource center, 288 Spring St., is offering free baby shower essentials, such as clothing, diapers, park 'n plays and bathtubs, at its Mother to Mother event from 10 a.m. to noon May 9.

WASHINGTON COUNTY: The First Tennessee Development District has been awarded $924,000 to expand its recovery-friendly Caring Workplaces initiative, the Johnson City Press reports. The support program is aimed at building a support system of recovery-friendly workplaces for employees dealing with substance issues in eight counties of Northeast Tennessee.

WAYNE COUNTY: No injuries were reported from a fire March 22 at Clifton Fire Chief Randy Burns' home on March 22.

WARREN COUNTY: The Warren County Famers Market is now open for the season, the Southern Standard reports. The market, 100 Market St., Mcminnville, opens each Saturday at 7 a.m.

WEAKLEY COUNTY: New University of Tennessee Martin men's basketball coach Jeremy Shulman was introduced April 1 on campus. Shulman and his family come to Martin from Melbourne, Florida. Shulman guided the basketball program at Eastern Florida State College for 14 years.

WHITE COUNTY: The White County chapter of Future Farmers of America won State Superior Chapter, National Chapter Award - 3 Stars and the Platinum PLOW award at the 96th Tennessee FFA State Convention, reports Sparta Live.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY: A 24 hour drive-up kiosk for vehicle registration is open at the Williamson County Admin complex in Franklin. The kiosk prints your registration and sticker, reports the Williamson Herald.

WILSON COUNTY: The Journey Church in Lebanon is moving forward on a building renovation and plans to launch a private school starting in the 2025-26 academic year. Ryan Coatney has been named head of the future school that plans to start with at least grades 1-6. Grades will be added in subsequent years.