A ranger at Fiery Gizzard State Park is receiving statewide recognition for her dedication to conservation, visitor safety, and community service. Tennessee State Parks recently announced that Ranger Hannah Sheley has been named the Tennessee State Parks Ranger of the Year for 2025, honoring what park officials described as her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to …
Category: Outdoors
Free Fishing Day Planned at Fall Creek Falls State Park on June 6
Families and young anglers will have the chance to fish for free next month during a special event planned at Fall Creek Falls State Park. The park will host its annual Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 6, beginning at 7 a.m. at the park’s softball fields. Organizers say the event is designed …
LIFESTYLE: Late Spring in the Sequatchie Valley: Green-Up and Get Out Season Beneath the Mountains
There’s a certain shade of green that only exists in the Sequatchie Valley in late spring. It arrives somewhere between dogwood season and the first cutting of hay — when the hardwoods on the mountainsides finally leaf out completely, the pastures glow bright emerald after sunrise, and the long gray look of winter disappears almost …
Tennessee Boating Deaths Running Ahead of Last Year as Summer Season Begins
Tennessee has already recorded nine boating-related deaths in 2026, putting the state ahead of last year’s pace as officials prepare for the busy summer boating season. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the number of fatalities this year has increased from five deaths reported during the same period in 2025. Officials say the rise …
TN Governor Lee, TWRA Recognize Safe Boating Week, May 16-22
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed May 16-22 as Safe Boating Week in Tennessee. In support of the statewide and national observance, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will participate in the annual National Safe Boating Week, reminding all boaters to refresh their boating safety skills and prepare for the upcoming summer boating season. This observance week is the …
Invasive Tick Species Detected in Northeast Alabama for First Time
State agriculture officials are warning residents in Northeast Alabama after confirming the presence of an invasive tick species never before detected in the state. The Asian Longhorned Tick, a species known for rapidly reproducing and spreading disease, was recently identified by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Officials say the tick poses potential health …
TVA Says Area Lakes Remain Open Despite Low Water Levels
The Tennessee Valley Authority says area lakes remain open for recreational use despite unusually low water levels across the region. TVA officials say ongoing dry weather conditions and below-average rainfall have contributed to reduced water elevations at several lakes throughout the Tennessee Valley. Even with the lower levels, officials stress that lakes remain accessible for …
Whitwell Angler Lands New Tennessee State Record Largemouth Bass
A Marion County man is officially in the Tennessee record books after landing the largest largemouth bass ever confirmed in the state. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announced Monday that Whitwell resident Darren Nunley set a new Tennessee state record for largemouth bass with a fish caught earlier this year on Nickajack Reservoir. According to …
Lake Winnie to Open Friday
Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park is set to reopen for the season on Friday, May 1, welcoming guests with familiar rides, attractions, and some fresh experiences. Among the highlights this year is the debut of “Lookout Safari,” a new roller coaster featuring a 656-foot track, two laps, and speeds reaching up to 21 miles per hour. …
Cornbread Festival has Huge Turnout in South Pittsburg
The 29th Annual Cornbread Festival began with some wet weather on Saturday, but it didn’t spoil the fun. Since its start in 1997, the National Cornbread Festival has brought together southern cuisine and community spirit. Organizers report that the two-day festival generates over $30,000 for the local economy, benefiting hotels, gas stations, and businesses. The …



