A drowning occurred on Saturday in the Sequatchie River at Ketner’s Mill. According to Marion County Emergency Management, a 17-year-old kayaker fell into the hydraulics area while in the water below the dam. The name of the teenager has not been released by authorities, and efforts continue to recover the kayaker’s body from the river.
Category: Whitwell
Office Manager at Assisted Living Home in Marion County Charged with Theft
Mary Ann Layne, an office manager at an assisted living home in Marion County, was arrested on May 1, 2024. She was charged with theft of over $10,000 after police said her boss had caught her in the act. Police say she admitted to spending money from the home and cash given to her by …
Tennessee American Water Asking for First Rate Increase since 2012
Tennessee American Water has filed a petition with the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC) for approval to adjust rates. The request reflects $173 million in water system investments made by the company since its last general rate increase in 2012 through December 2025 to continue providing clean, safe, and reliable service. The request reinforces the …
Messer Receives 2024 Vanguard Award and releases statement
The American Ambulance Association (AAA) announced the 2024 Vanguard Awards winners in March. The Vanguards honor those who have blazed the trail for fellow women EMS professionals. Tennessee has one winner, and it is Vicki Messer | Paramedic, retired | Jasper, TN Messer was presented her award last week at the Association Annual Conference & Trade Show …
Two Juveniles Injured in Marion County Crash
Two juveniles were involved in an accident in Marion County on Sunday. The only information we have received from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is that the crash occurred in the 5000 block of Old Dunlap Road at 6:15 p.m. CT. Sequatchie Valley Now has learned through other sources that there were severe injuries to …
Over 800 Participate in Marion County EMA Hazard Mitigation Survey
Steve Lamb, EMA Director, Marion County, TN, said in a social media post that he would like to thank everyone who participated in our Hazard Mitigation survey in February and March. Lamb said they had over 800 responses. Lamb said, “You have provided meaningful information for updating our Hazard Mitigation Plan. I would also like …
Whitwell Police Wake Sleeping Driver and Locate Multiple Drugs
On Monday, April 8th, at approximately 8:30 AM, the Whitwell Police Department responded to a four-way stop on Hwy. 108 and Spring Street. Once they arrived, police discovered that a man behind the wheel of a vehicle had fallen asleep at the intersection. Whitwell Police woke the man up and found drug paraphernalia in the …
Two Deaths, Four Indicted, One on the Run
A Marion County grand jury indicted three men on separate second-degree murder charges. In January, the Jasper Police Department found Joel Layne deceased with drugs in his system. Upon further investigation, officials found Christopher Janeway responsible for providing Layne with a combination of meth and an opioid prescription drug that led to his death. The …
The New 729 Area Code is Coming to the Tennessee 423 Area Code Region
To ensure new telephone numbers are available, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission has approved the addition of the new 729 area code to the geographic region served by the 423 area code. This process is known as an area code overlay. Â What is an area code overlay? An overlay is the addition of another area …


