Sequatchie Valley Now

01/09/2026

01/08/2026

Long pursuit goes through Marion County.

A Chattanooga resident has been charged following an incident involving multiple law enforcement agencies during a vehicle pursuit in a car rented through a vehicle share program. The police report says the pursuit began in Alabama on August 30, 2025, shortly before midnight and continued along I-24...

01/08/2026

Land in Grundy County Transferred to the State of Tennessee

A total of 670 acres has been formally transferred to the State of Tennessee for conservation purposes in Grundy County. This property will be incorporated into Savage Gulf State Park. Conservation organizations initially acquired the land two years ago due to its ecological importance. The current transfer marks the completion of efforts to ensure its protection. The area encompasses approximately one mile of streams that feed into the Collins State Scenic River and contains several rare species, including multiple varieties of wild orchids.

A total of 670 acres has been formally transferred to the State of Tennessee for conservation purposes in Grundy County. This property will be incorporated into Savage Gulf State Park. Conservation organizations initially acquired the land two years ago due to its ecological importance. The current....

01/08/2026

I-24/I-75 Interchange Inprovement in the Homestretch

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced they are in the homestretch of the I-75/I-24 interchange improvement project in Chattanooga. All lanes of I-24 involved in the project are in their final alignment right now. Paving for the new I-75 lanes and ramps are underway. Crews will also work on the I-75 bridge over the railroad, as well as final items like pavement markings and texture coating. Traffic will be shifted onto the final I-75 alignment in the next few months.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced they are in the homestretch of the I-75/I-24 interchange improvement project in Chattanooga. All lanes of I-24 involved in the project are in their final alignment right now. Paving for the new I-75 lanes and ramps are underway. Crews will als...

01/08/2026

Moving up a level. Congratulations. Former Marion County Warrior Sam Pickett had a terrific first year as receiver at Samford, catching 33 passes for 450 yards and 2 touchdowns. Good luck Sam.

Marion County’s own Sam Pickett has committed to App State Football. We’re all so proud of you Sam.

01/08/2026

Report Shows Area Numbers of DUI Arrests for People Testing Negative

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation data shows 2,547 people have been arrested for DUI since 2017 despite negative alcohol and drug tests—over four times higher than previously reported. In 2024 alone, there were 419 such arrests, with most cases in Nashville, Knoxville (highest in state at 41), and Jackson. Officials note that negative test results don't necessarily mean a driver was sober, as some impairing substances may not be detected by current screenings....

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation data shows 2,547 people have been arrested for DUI since 2017 despite negative alcohol and drug tests—over four times higher than previously reported. In 2024 alone, there were 419 such arrests, with most cases in Nashville, Knoxville (highest in state at 41), and...

01/07/2026

New Bail Bondsmen Law in Tennessee

A new statute in Tennessee requires all bail bondsmen to obtain state licensure, with oversight provided by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). The legislation became effective on Thursday, January 1. Pursuant to this regulation, bail bondsmen must register with the TDCI’s Division of Regulatory Boards and secure a license from the Board of Professional Bondsmen. Local courts retain the authority to determine which bondsmen may operate within their jurisdictions, contingent upon completion of state licensing requirements....

A new statute in Tennessee requires all bail bondsmen to obtain state licensure, with oversight provided by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). The legislation became effective on Thursday, January 1. Pursuant to this regulation, bail bondsmen must register with the TDCI’s D...

01/07/2026

National Crornbread Festival Cook-off Application Process Begins

Applications for The National Cornbread Festival 29th Annual Cornbread Cook-off are open! Each year we search the nation for the best original main dish cornbread recipes. The winner receives the coveted skillet crown and $5,000. Recipe entries require the original main dish/entree/main course recipe to be prepared and cooked in Lodge® Cast Iron cookware. The ten finalists chosen must compete during the National Cornbread Festival® on April 25th, 2026, in South Pittsburg, Tennessee....

Applications for The National Cornbread Festival 29th Annual Cornbread Cook-off are open! Each year we search the nation for the best original main dish cornbread recipes. The winner receives the coveted skillet crown and $5,000. Recipe entries require the original main dish/entree/main course recip...

01/07/2026

Arrest Report for Marion County - Week of Jan. 4, 2026...

BILLINGSLEY, TIMOTHY S Age: 34 Class: NON SENTENCED Race/Sex: W/M Intake Date: 01/05/2026 03:18 PM City: SOUTH PITTSBURG Arrested By Department: TENNESSE HIGHWAY PATROL Arrested By Officer: TRUSSELL Release Date: 01/05/2026 04:00 PM Charge Bond DRIVING ON REVOKED SUSPENDED LICENSE 1000 DAVIDSON, STE...

01/07/2026

Mark your calendars!

Please note that all performances will be in the Whitwell Middle School Auditorium due to renovations at the high school.