More than 77,000 pounds of litter were removed from communities throughout Tennessee as part of the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) 5th Annual No Trash November, a month-long initiative dedicated to keeping the state’s roadways and waterways safe from the harmful effects of litter. This year’s effort surpassed the statewide goal of 75,000 pounds—demonstrating the …
Tag: Whitwell News
Lucas Blevins Wins Ice-Skating Rink Naming Contest
The winner of the Town of Jasper’s ice-skating rink naming contest is Lucas Blevins! Lucas’ winning entry was “Polar Paradise.” The rink’s normal hours of operation are Thursdays and Fridays from 4 PM-8 PM, Saturdays 1 PM-8 PM and Sundays 1 PM-6 PM. Adults 12 & up $7.50 and children $5.50. Contact the Town of …
Preorder Your Childhood Cancer Tennessee Licence Plate
Tennessee may soon have a new license plate supporting childhood cancer, but at least 1,000 preorders are required before it becomes available. The Childhood Cancer Organization and The Grayson Foundation are working together to make these plates a reality. As of Tuesday, December 16, there are only 610 preorders and the deadline is January 6, …
Poweball Hits $1.25 Billion for Wednesday’s Drawing
The Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $1.25 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing after lottery officials said no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Monday night. The U.S. has seen more than a dozen lottery jackpot prizes exceed $1 billion since 2016. Here is a look at the 3 largest U.S. jackpots won and …
New Laws in Tennessee begin January 1
The new year will bring a new set of laws to Tennessee come Jan. 1, 2026. This follows the array of laws that took effect in the state on July 1, right after the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session. THC and hemp in Tennessee: The Alcoholic Beverage Commission takes over as the regulator for hemp sales …
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 …
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 …



