The Fall Creek Falls Lodge has generated $5 million in revenue since opening a year ago. That is according to State Parks Hospitality Director Shannon Bowles. Bowles said over 100,000 people have visited the lodge based on bookings, dining and conferences. “We’ve exceeded what we anticipated from that lodge,” Bowles said. “I would tell you that no one anticipated it ... Read More »

A former Fentress County corrections officer indicted on one count of Statutory Rape and Aggravated Burglary following a TBI investigation Friday. According to the investigation results, Nicholas Alexander St. John met a juvenile at York Institute and engaged in sexual activity in an abandoned house of school property. St. John was employed by the Fentress County Sheriff’s Office at the ... Read More »

All signs point towards the Celina splash pad moving forward after city officials met with TDEC officials Thursday. That is according to Mayor Luke Collins. Collins said gaining a water discharge permit for the system should not be an issue. “Our next step is for our engineer drawing and specs,” Collins said. “I believe it would take us about 21 ... Read More »

The White County Election Commission has set the date for county voters to decide on a sales tax rate increase. Election Administrator Dorcus Marcum said the referendum will be the sole item for the March 14th election. “The people have to approve it before they can increase the sales tax,” Marcum said. “It is a half of a percent before ... Read More »

The White County School Board will not remove a book from its curriculum after a heated discussion Thursday night. The book Hatchet caused concern for a particular family when 4th grade students were assigned to read the book. Themes of suicide, premarital sex and violence sited. The school board voted 4 to 2 in favor of keeping the book following ... Read More »

White County Schools will be closed Friday due to possible inclement weather. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said even though a significant snow event is not expected, the system wants to avoid an early dismissal. Classes will resume Tuesday as the district observes the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday. Read More »

Former Van Buren County Ag Extension Agent and Tennessee Tech Alumni Chris Hicks named the UT Extension Central Region Director. Hicks said he wants to be a mentor for the next generation of extension agents and county directors. “I’ve spent my career serving but to do it in a new role,” Hicks said. “We are a service, people-orientated organization. Our ... Read More »

The Empower Upper Cumberland pilot program will host a clothing drive Saturday after receiving a large donation from the Salvation Army. Director Megan Spurgeon said bring a bag to Washington Avenue Baptist Church, and you can fill it with as many items as possible. “The goal is to really just get the word out about Empower Upper Cumberland as well ... Read More »

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce has a new full-time tourism director, Beverly Murphy. The chamber received a grant from the state to fund the new position. Murphy said her main objective is to get local businesses recognized beyond the Celina community. “There’s ways for them to learn to reach out on social media,” Murphy said. “There’s ways for them ... Read More »

Algood City Administrator Keith Morrison said there will be a learning curve as the city prepares to open permits for the sale of wine. The city council approved the final reading of an ordinance that adds the process to the municipal code. Morrison said the new guidelines will start in two weeks. “We’ve reached out to MTAS,” Morrison said. “We ... Read More »