A Tennessee bill that would make it easier for industry experts to become public school teachers has garnered bipartisan support. Still, some educators argue that the state needs to do more to address the growing teacher shortage. The proposed legislation would establish a limited occupational teacher licensure program, enabling industry experts to teach public school …
Tag: Whitwell News
Update on Sunday’s Huge Wildfire
Crews are continuing to battle a nearly 500-acre wildfire that broke out in Sequatchie County early Sunday afternoon. Rough terrain and weather conditions posed challenges for crews working to contain the fire. Fire Chief Norman Hatfield with the Dunlap Fire Department says the fire was likely started by someone burning leaves at the base of …
Huge Fire on Daus Mountain
On Sunday afternoon, authorities in Sequatchie County reported they were fighting a large fire on Daus Mountain. Fire crews responding: Dunlap Southend West Valley Luminary Crossroads Fredonia Mountain Altamont Palmer Pikeville Whitwell Whitwell Mountain Lusk The Fredonia Volunteer Fire Department issued an evacuation order for the Bluff View area and the Fredonia Mountain Nature Resort. …
Concrete Repairs Prompt Weekend Lane Closures on Interstate 75/24 in Hamilton County
Drivers traveling near the I-75 at the I-24 interchange in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will temporarily impact traffic. As part of Phase 2 (the second of two projects) to widen and improve the interchange, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews must implement weekend lane closures on I-75 …
Blood Assurance Declares Emergency Need for Donors
Blood Assurance is facing an emergency blood shortage, with only a half-day’s supply of multiple blood types remaining. While donations are down, hospitals are simultaneously experiencing an increased demand for blood, creating a dire need for donors. “I can’t stress enough how vital it is for people to step up and donate immediately,” said Garry …
If Gov. Lee Signs Off Payday Loan Companies Could Charge 36 Percent Interest Rates
A bill allowing interest rates to increase to 36% at certain money-lending places is now headed to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s desk. The bill would allow any amount of $100 or more to have an effective annual interest rate of 36%. The bill passed in the Senate along party lines, but in the House, a …
Bus Driver Age Will Not be Lowered in Tennessee
A proposal to lower the minimum age requirement from 25 to 21 for school bus drivers in Tennessee has been rejected by the state’s General Assembly. Tennessee maintains some of the strictest age requirements for bus drivers in the country, with neighboring states like North Carolina and Georgia allowing individuals as young as 18 to …
Whitwell Man Arrested, Charged in Homicide Investigation
Special Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, working alongside deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and members of the 12th Judicial Drug Task Force, have arrested a Whitwell man in connection to a homicide. At the request of 12th Judicial District Attorney General Courtney Lynch, special agents began investigating the death of Danny Durham …
Dollar General to Close Nearly 100 Locations
Dollar General has announced plans to close several locations in 2025 due to decreasing consumer confidence. According to the company’s fourth-quarter and fiscal year 2024 report, 96 Dollar General store locations will be closed “in the first quarter” of the current fiscal year. The report also indicated that Dollar General’s fourth-quarter operating profit decreased by …
Wanted Man Arrested Saturday by Marion County Sheriff’s Department
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested Billy Dewayne Massengale on Saturday evening after a previous request for the public’s help. They had open warrants for Massengale, who is also wanted for questioning in connection with a homicide that occurred on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The sheriff’s office said investigators wanted to speak to Massengale after …



