DAYTON — On Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, from 2 to 6 p.m. the Rhea County Coalition and Hamilton County Coalition will be hosting “Hope & Healing Fest” on the Rhea County Courthouse lawn. Attendees will be able to join and celebrate individuals and families in recovery. Treatment, recovery and prevention resources will also be available at no cost. Started in 1989, National Recovery Month is observed each September to highlight...

NASHVILLE — With two months until the November 15, 2024, recruitment deadline, tnAchieves still needs 1,800 volunteer mentors to meet student demand. This year, more than 60,000 high school seniors are expected to apply for the TN Promise Scholarship. tnAchieves mentors provide valuable encouragement, advice and accountability to help students navigate the college-going process. Southeast Tennessee has several counties with outstanding mentor need: - Rhea County — 8 Mentors Still...

RHEA COUNTY — At the September 2024 VEC Customers Share Board meeting, local organizations in Rhea County were awarded $2,000 in grants. Organizations receiving funds were Helping Hands Helping Hearts ($1,000) and Rhea Alliance ($1,000). VEC Customers Share was founded in October 2001 and has donated more than $8 million to various community service organizations across VEC’s 17-county service area. VEC Customers Share is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. The foundation’s funds come from VEC members who have opted to round their electric bills up to the next whole dollar. VEC Customers Share individual customer contributions average a little more than $5.00 per year. The extra change is collected monthly and distributed by a volunteer board of directors representing each service area. Grant applications are available at any Volunteer Energy Cooperative Customer Service center by calling (423) 334-7051 or at www.vec.org/community-programs/vecustomers-share/. VEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson recently announced that revenues were very near budgeted estimates for the first month of the state’s fiscal year. August revenues were $1.548 billion, which is $1.3 million more than the monthly estimate and $36.3 million more than August 2023. The total growth rate for the month was 2.40 percent. “August revenues performed as expected and were in line with forecasted estimates for the month,” Bryson said. “Sales tax receipts, reflecting sales tax activity from...

NASHVILLE — After three consecutive months of record-low unemployment, the statewide unemployment rate increased slightly last month, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.1% in August, an increase of one-tenth of a percentage point over the record low of 3% posted in May, June, and July. In a year-to-year comparison, Tennessee’s unemployment rate decreased two-tenths of...

DAYTON — Every year it seems that the Christmas season begins earlier and earlier in the commercial world. Right now, it is the middle of September, and stores already have plenty of Christmas items on their shelves. MainStreet Dayton is beginning to plan for the season’s activities and is going to introduce “Holly Jolly Dayton,” this year’s festive event. In previous years (beginning in 1997), Dayton has always celebrated with...

DAYTON — In a joint workshop session on Monday, members of the Dayton City Council and Rhea County Commission announced the groundbreaking for the new Chattanooga State school on Delaware Avenue is set for Thursday, Oct. 3. The Rhea County Commission partnered with the Dayton City Council to buy the Abel farm property near the Delaware Avenue walking track for $1.2 million, splitting the cost between the two governing bodies at $600,000 each in 2023. ...

A portion of Highway 60 was shut down on Sunday afternoon after a wreck occurred at around 1 p.m. According to officials with the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department two motorists were hospitalized in the three-vehicle wreck. Two injured in three-vehicle wreck

Question: Dear Master Gardeners, I have a few fruit trees and some shrubs around my home that need pruning. How do I start? Answer: First, it is important to know what kind of fruit trees you have. For instance, stone fruits are pruned differently than say a Pear. Not having this information, we would not be able to guide you in correct pruning for either your fruit trees or type of shrubs. The University of Tennessee has excellent sources to help you with this process....

In the General Assembly, we prioritize legislation to protect the rights of Tennesseans. This includes protecting property rights as well as the freedom to safely move about our communities by strengthening public safety. This month’s review of legislation passed during the 2024 legislative session includes laws penalizing squatters, denying bail for violent offenders, protecting police officers, and punishing false reporting of an active shooter. Protecting property owners from squatters Tennessee...

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed a single positive measles test of a Tennessee resident who recently traveled internationally, spent time in Kentucky during the infectious period, and is now recovering from the virus. TDH has not identified additional positive measles cases in Tennessee, and no additional details are available about Tennessee’s positive measles case. The measles virus can spread through the air when an infected person...

DAYTON — The Mark Anton Airport hosted a highly successful aircraft show this past weekend, drawing thousands of aviation enthusiasts and families from across the region. The event showcased a wide variety of aircraft, including vintage planes, providing an exciting and educational experience for attendees of all ages. In addition to the impressive aircraft, the event offered various ground activities, including tours of some planes. Visitors also had the opportunity...

DAYTON — “Holly Jolly Dayton” is a fresh take on our community Christmas celebration that transforms our cherished holiday tradition into a downtown extravaganza. “This holiday season MainStreet Dayton is excited to introduce a fresh and vibrant way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year,” MainStreet officials said. “Instead of our traditional Christmas parade, MainStreet is thrilled to announce the launch of’ Holly Jolly Dayton,’ a festive Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 7, in downtown Dayton. ...

NASHVILLE — State Rep. Ron Travis, R-Dayton, recently announced visitors spent $86,526,800 in Bledsoe, Rhea, Sequatchie and Van Buren Counties in 2023, according to newly released data from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD). “Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful scenic views at Fall Creek Falls State Park or dive into history at The Scopes Trial Museum and Rhea County Courthouse, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here,” Travis said. “I’m thrilled to see the growth and benefits for our local families. I...

RHEA COUNTY — The Rhea County High School Eagles' football game set for Friday, Sept. 13, was canceled due to safety concerns, according to school officials. “Due to ongoing safety concerns in both Rhea County and Hamilton County, we decided not to travel to Hamilton County tonight for the scheduled football game between Rhea County High School and The Howard School," Rhea County Director of Schools Jesse Messimer said in a statement. "We plan to appeal to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) in...

Newly remodeled in November 2023, the Audrey Pack Memorial Library is ready to show you it’s glow up! During the remodel, new flooring and paint updated the look of the building while new seating and tables make it more comfortable to stay a while. The children’s section was redesigned, and a new children’s computer has been added. Audrey Pack Memorial Library is located at 169 West Rhea Avenue in Spring City. The library is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DAYTON — The City of Dayton recently announced the naming of Lewis Lane in honor of the late Dayton City Councilman Jim Lewis, who dedicated his professional life to serving our community in multiple capacities including 30 years of service in the Tennessee Highway Patrol and as a member of the Dayton City Council. "Lewis was a beloved leader who made significant contributions to the growth and development of our city," city officials said. "As a city council member, he worked tirelessly to advocate for...

RHEA COUNTY — A Rhea County man is facing aggravated cruelty to animals after he was arrested for allegedly beating a tied up dog with a stick and throwing rocks at it, according to an arrest report on file at the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department. Orta Martinez, 51, is facing several charges after he was arrested for animal abuse on Wednesday, Aug. 28. At around 4:30 p.m., Rhea County Sheriff’s...

DAYTON — Bryan College recently announced the appointment of Dr. Kathryn Saynes as the new Vice President for Academics. “An esteemed alumna of the college, Dr. Saynes brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence that will further enhance Bryan’s academic programs,” school officials said. Saynes earned her doctor of education from Northcentral University and holds a master of arts in instructional leadership from Tennessee Technological...

DAYTON — The walking trail at the Swinging Bridge Park will be temporarily closed during the week for construction beginning Sept. 16, 2024, to accommodate the installation of a new sewer line. City officials said the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of park visitors and allow for the completion of this essential infrastructure project. The upcoming construction will involve replacing a 54-year-old line and removing the necessity of the 100-year-old pump station located at the intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 30. ...