Orangefoot Pimpleback. Monkeyface. Fuzzy Pigtoe. No, these aren’t insults hurled by children on the playground; they’re freshwater mussel species. Despite their playful monikers, these rock-like animals seriously improve water quality in rivers and streams. A new exhibit in the Tennessee Aquarium’s Ridges to Rivers gallery showcases these often-underappreciated organisms and draws attention to their role in maintaining …
Category: Tennessee
Two Tornados Confirmed Narrowly Missing Marion County
According to the National Weather Service in Nashville, an EF-1 tornado with 95 mph winds impacted areas from Monteagle to Tracy City in Grundy County early Sunday morning. The tornado was on the ground for 7 miles and 350 yards wide. As previously reported, it damaged multiple structures and knocked down many trees and power …
9 Fire Investigations are Unsolved Palmer; Reward Offered for Information Leading to Arrest(s)
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is seeking community support to solve recent fires in Palmer, TN. At least nine unsolved fires have occurred within a one-mile radius over the past 10 to 12 months, excluding some vehicle fires. The TBI has received no tips and is now offering up to $5,000 for information leading to …
Paving Prompts Lane Closures on Interstate 24 in Three Counties
Drivers traveling on I-24 in Grundy, Marion, and Coffee Counties should know about upcoming roadway activities impacting traffic. On April 9, 2025, and Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, Tennessee Department of Transportation maintenance crews will perform rolling roadblocks on I-24 East to perform pavement repairs from mile marker …
New Response Team Dedicated to Combating Wildfires
The Chattanooga Fire Department has introduced a new response team dedicated to combating wildfires throughout the state of Tennessee. According to the CFD, this initiative is in response to the increasing severity and frequency of wildfires within the state. The department states that the Wildland Fire Team is a specialized unit, similar to the Swiftwater …
Local Unemployment Rates Fall in February
More Tennesseans were on the job in February than the previous month, as 88 of 95 counties reported a decline in their unemployment rates. Marion County’s unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in January and fell to 4.1 percent in February. Grundy County is down from 4.8 to 4 percent. Hamilton County dropped from 3.5 to …
It’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
On Tuesday, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and its partners enforced the Hands-Free Law in observance of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Report texting or driving dangers by dialing *THP (847) hands-free or asking a passenger to call. Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law bans holding a cell phone or mobile device. Violations add points to your driving …
More Measles Cases in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed three additional cases of measles in the state. This brings the total number of confirmed measles cases in Tennessee to four in 2025. One of the newly confirmed cases is connected to Tennessee’s initial measles case reported on March 21. No further details are available regarding Tennessee’s confirmed …
Two Important Programs to Remember
Secretary of State Tre Hargett is reminding Tennesseans of two essential programs: Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program: Provides a substitute address for legal purposes to approved applicants. More details at com. Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking: Engages businesses and employees in combating human trafficking through no-cost training. Since 2024, over 300 businesses have joined. Sign …
Fatal Hit and Run in Grundy County
On Monday, the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office responded to a hit-and-run incident at the intersection of Rock Avenue and Main Street in Palmer, Tennessee. An individual riding a bicycle, later identified as Bobby Dan Green of Palmer, was struck by a vehicle that subsequently fled the scene. Tragically, Mr. Green succumbed to his injuries. The …



