The Tennessee Department of Education (department) released the ACT state results and participation rate for the graduating class of 2025. Thanks to the efforts of schools and districts encouraging student participation on the ACT, the overall statewide participation rate for the 2025 graduating class was 99 percent. The state average composite ACT score was 19.3 …
Tag: Sequatchie County News
Path to College and Technical Training Just Got Easier in Tennessee
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) marks a pivotal next step in the state’s TN Direct Admissions pilot by sending more than 45,000 personalized college admission letters—signed by Governor Bill Lee—to eligible Tennessee high school seniors in the Class of 2026. Eligible students can expect to receive their TN Direct Admissions letters this week in mailboxes across …
Gas Prices Hold Steady in Tennessee at Six Cents Less than in 2024
Gas prices across the state fluctuated slightly higher over last week, but fell through the weekend to only a penny more expensive than last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.57 which is 12 cents less expensive than one month ago and six cents less than one year ago. “Right now, Tennesseans are seeing the cheapest gas prices in four years,” …
Kimball Baptist Church Live Nativity Scene and how to find other Christmas Events
Local churches celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in various ways. One area congregation, the Kimball Baptist Church performed a live nativity scene over the weekend. This was drive-thru event. Several churches continue to celebrate with plays, signings and more. In Marion County and surrounding area listen to The River 104.9 for special events and …
Fire in Downtown Dunlap on Saturday
At 8:20 AM CST on Saturday, Dunlap Fire Department responded to a commercial building fire in the Dunlap Downtown Business District. Smoke was reported coming from the upstairs vents of the Free Spirit Hair Salon at the corner of Rankin Avenue and Cherry Street. Firefighters arrived to find a fire in the upstairs apartment. Mutual …
Sequatchie County Deputy Who Became Lost During Foot Pursuit Located Safe
On December 11, 2025, in the afternoon hours, Sequatchie County Detectives attempted to stop a stolen pick-up truck they observed on Deerhead Rd in the Fredonia Mountain community, leading to a vehicle pursuit onto a very secluded and rough terrain road and to a location where the truck was unable to travel any further. The …
Emergency Need: Blood Assurance Calls for Donors After Surge in Trauma Cases
Blood Assurance is facing an emergency need for donations after a sudden spike in trauma cases across the region. The increase in emergency situations has significantly strained the nonprofit’s already thin supply. The holiday season is historically one of the most challenging times of the year for blood collection. Hospitals often experience higher demand for …
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady in Tennessee
Tennessee’s unemployment rate held steady in September at 3.6%, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The release of September’s data was delayed because of the impact to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics during the federal government shutdown. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged from the …
Tennessee Allowed to Prohibit Some Sugary Beverages and Snacks from SNAP Benefits
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a Tennessee waiver that will allow the state to prohibit some sugary beverages and snacks from being purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning in 2026. The waiver is part of a broader federal effort to “Make America Healthy Again,” which allows six states — including …
Sequatchie County Murder Suspects Appear in Court
New details emerged Monday in the brutal killing of a Sequatchie County woman. A judge heard new evidence in the case against David Gardiner and his teenage stepson, Gabriel Vilchez — both charged in the death of 47-year-old Silvia Vilchez. Deputies discovered her burned remains earlier this year in Sequatchie County. Investigators say the teen …



