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LAST UPDATED: 2/3/2012 1:36 PM

HIVE 105 HEADLINES

Local Theatre Hosting Knoxville Theatre Group

Huntsville, TN (2012-02-01) On Saturday, the Word Players, a theatre group from Knoxville, will present a traveling production about the many events surrounding the civil rights movement in America. Complete Story

Scott Schools “Teachers Of The Year” Announced

Winfield, TN (2012-01-31) The Scott County School System has announced its Teachers of the Year finalists for the 2012 academic year. The system’s countywide top teachers will be decided on Friday. Complete Story

Former Fentress County Coach Booked On Local Drug Charges

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-30) A covert drug operation conducted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department on Monday nabbed four persons, including a former Fentress County basketball coach. A fifth person was also cited into court on drug violations. Complete Story

“Shop Scott” Website Launched At Annual Chamber Meeting

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-26) Scott County Mayor Jeff Tibbals unveiled a new "shop local" initiative — Shop Scott — at Thursday's annual meeting of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce at the County Office Building here. Complete Story

Scott Jobless Rate Spikes In December

Nashville, TN (2012-01-26) The unemployment rate in Scott County spiked in December, climbing by more than a full percentage point. Recently announced layoffs in Anderson County will have a negative impact on the statistics by April. Complete Story

Oneida City Council/Water Board Discuss Reasons For Water Rate Hike

Oneida, TN (2012-01-24) Oneida Mayor Jack E. Lay, Oneida Water and Wastewater Manager Johnny Acres, and members of the Oneida City Council and the Oneida Water Board, met from more than an hour Tuesday afternoon to discuss the circumstances that led to a state-mandated rate hike on water and sewer rates in for customers of the Oneida Water and Wastewater Department. Complete Story

Campbell County Trio Arrested In Drug Operation

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-24) Three persons from Campbell County have been arrested following a successful drug operation by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. Complete Story

Sheriff’s Department Searches Winfield Pond For Missing Mother

Winfield, TN (2012-01-24) The Scott County Sheriff’s Department and the Scott County Rescue Squad spent Tuesday searching an old abandoned strip pit catch basin for a Winfield woman that hasn’t been seen since last September. Complete Story

Senator Yager Offers Students Opportunity To Learn About Government First-Hand

Nashville, TN (2012-01-24) State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) today issued an invitation to local students to experience the legislature in action as a page in the State Senate. Page duties consist of anything from making copies, running errands, to distributing legislative information to members of the General Assembly. They report to the Chief Clerk of the House and Senate. Complete Story

Record Decline In Traffic Fatalities On Tennessee Roadways In 2011

Nashville, TN (2012-01-23) Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security officials have announced preliminary figures indicating the state has recorded the fewest number of traffic fatalities in 48 years. In 2011, there were 947 traffic-related deaths on Tennessee roadways, representing the lowest figure since 1963 when 941 people were killed as a result of a crash. Complete Story

Tennesseans Can Participate In Second Annual Great Central U.S. Shakeout Earthquake Drill On February 7

Nashville, TN (2012-01-23) Registration is open for the second annual Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake drill, which will take place at 10:15 a.m., CST, on February 7, 2012. More than 3 million people in 11 states, including 250,000 Tennesseans, took part in the first Central U.S. ShakeOut drill on April 28, 2011. Complete Story

TWRA Requests Public Input For 2012-13 Hunting Regulations

Nashville, TN (2012-01-23) The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is soliciting comments for its 2012-13 hunting seasons’ regulations. This is an opportunity for the public to share ideas and concerns about hunting regulations with TWRA staff.

Public comments will be considered by TWRA’s Wildlife Division staff and may be presented as proposals for regulation changes. Comments may be submitted by mail to: 2012-13 Hunting Season Comments, TWRA, Wildlife Management Division, P.O. 40747, Nashville, TN 37204 or emailed to twra.comment@tn.gov. Please include “Hunting Season Comments” on the subject line of emailed submissions.

The comment period concerning the 2012-13 hunting season regulations will be open until Friday, February 24, 2012.

Tennessee Highway Patrol to Welcome New Trooper Cadets

Nashville, TN (2012-01-20) The Tennessee Highway Patrol will formally welcome Trooper Cadet Class 512 on Monday at the agency’s Training Center. The class will include one cadet from Scott County. Complete Story

Kentucky Trio Booked On Theft Charges

Oneida, TN (2012-01-19) Three persons from Kentucky have been booked on theft charges after allegedly taking electronics from a local discount store. Complete Story

December Tennessee Unemployment Rate 8.7 Percent

Rate Drops 0.4 Percentage Point from November

Nashville, TN (2012-01-19) Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development Karla Davis announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for December fell to 8.7 percent, down from the November revised rate of 9.1. The national unemployment rate for December 2011 was 8.5 percent, a decrease of 0.2 percentage point from the November rate. Complete Story

Proposed Law Would Make Elected Public Officials Ineligible For Judicial Diversion

Nashville, TN (2012-01-19) State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) and Representative Ryan Haynes (R-Knoxville) today announced they have filed legislation to disqualify elected or appointed officials from receiving judicial diversion for crimes committed during their term of office. Complete Story

Hospital Talks Stall; Interest Shown From Alternate Sources

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-17) Despite having almost all issues pertaining to the lease on the Scott County Hospital worked out, negotiations have stalled between the County and Pioneer Health Services to sign a lease deal. Complete Story

A Pap Test And A Vaccine May Save Your Life

Nashville, TN (2012-01-16) January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the Tennessee Department of Health is urging all women to get screened for cervical cancer in 2012. Cervical cancer is a silent killer that strikes without symptoms or pain until the disease is in the most advanced stage. Complete Story

2011 Busy Year For Emergency Responders

Oneida, TN (2012-01-12) Last year was a busy one for emergency responders in Oneida, as both the Police and Fire Departments experienced an increase in call volume in 2011. Complete Story

Oneida City Council Ratifies Water Rate Increase

Oneida, TN (2012-01-12) The Oneida City Council has ratified a state-mandated water rate increase for customers of the Oneida Water and Wastewater District. Customers were billed at the new rate in December and the utility district began collecting the new levy this month. Complete Story

Business Owner Petitions Council To Allow Sunday Beer Sales

Oneida, TN (2012-01-12) An Oneida businessman has asked the Oneida City Council to allow municipal beer permit holders to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays. The petitioner has also asked weekend sales hours be extended inside the city. Complete Story

Tennessee Highway Patrol Accepting Applications for New Citizens’ Trooper Academy

Nashville, TN (2012-01-12) The Tennessee Highway Patrol is now accepting applications for the first session of its new Citizens’ Trooper Academy. Complete Story

Strunk Named New Director of Finance

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-11) Scott County has turned to a native resident of the community and career accounts executive to lead the county's Department of Finance. Complete Story

Oneida Shooting Suspect Indicted By Grand Jury

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-11) An Oneida man accused of going on a shooting spree that killed one person has been indicted by a Scott County Grand Jury. Complete Story

State Redistricting Changes Boundaries; Scott Designation Unchanged

Nashville, TN (2012-01-10) Although the state redistricting plan will change the makeup of the 38^th House District, Scott County will remain in the district. The proposed changes in the district map will see the addition of one county to the 12^th State Senatorial District. Complete Story

Decline In Traffic Fatalities Over New Year’s Holiday Weekend

Nashville, TN (2012-01-10) Preliminary reports indicate two people were killed on Tennessee roadways during the New Year’s holiday weekend, compared with six fatalities during last year’s holiday period. Complete Story

Highland Telephone To Award Scholarships Again For The 2011-2012 School Year

Sunbright, TN (2012-01-10) Highland Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (HTC) Board of Directors has announced plans to award scholarships to area high school seniors again for the eleventh year in a row. Deadline for entering is March 16, 2012. Complete Story

Governor Haslam Proclaims January “Radon Action Month”

Nashville, TN (2012-01-10) Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has proclaimed January “Radon Action Month” to help educate Tennesseans about the dangers of radon exposure and encourage actions to identify and to address radon problems in the home. Complete Story

Redistricting Proposal Would Move Scott Into Third Congressional District

Nashville, TN (2012-01-06) Scott County would shift from the sprawling 22-county, 4^th Congressional District to the 3^rd District under plans presented Wednesday in Nashville. Complete Story

Operation Rudolph Bags 22 On Drug Charges

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-05) While the holidays are over, the Scott County Sheriff’s Department unleashed “Operation Rudolph” on Thursday, bagging twenty-two persons on a variety of charges, most of them drug related. Complete Story

Employers Required to Collect Documents or Use E-Verify Database

Nashville, TN (2012-01-05) Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis today announced new requirements of all employers in Tennessee to demonstrate that they are hiring and maintaining a legal workforce. Complete Story

Department Of Safety & Homeland Security Issues Nearly 9,500 Photo IDs For Voting Purposes Since July 1

Nashville, TN (2012-01-04) The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced that 9,492 photo IDs had been issued for voting purposes from July 1 through December 31, 2011. The vast majority (8,989) of those issued were non-photo driver licenses converted into photo driver licenses, while 503 were original photo identification cards. Complete Story

Committee Vows To Continue Working With Pioneer Health

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-03) Despite numerous delays in the process to sign a new lease on the Scott County Hospital, the Community Development Committee of the Scott County Commission Tuesday night reaffirmed its commitment to forge an agreement with Pioneer Health Services of Magee, MS, even after the Letter of Intent to exclusively negotiate with the firm expired January 1, 2012. Complete Story

Scott Among 14 Tennessee Counties Designated As Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Washington, DC (2012-01-03) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 14 counties in Tennessee as primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by drought and excessive heat that occurred from May 1, 2011, through Oct. 31, 2011. Those counties are: Blount, Cumberland, Fayette, Fentress, Haywood, Loudon, McMinn, Macon, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott and Wilson. Complete Story

Oneida Brothers Booked On Meth Charges

Oneida, TN (2012-01-02) Two Oneida brothers have been arrested on felony drug charges after Oneida authorities allegedly found a meth lab at their Oneida home. Complete Story

Emma and William Take Top Spots as Tennessee's Most Popular Baby Names for 2011

Nashville, TN (2011-12-30) William’s the winner for five years running, but Tennessee parents of new baby girls have put Emma back in the top slot on the list of most popular names for children born in 2011. While the most popular names for both girls and boys born in Tennessee remain largely unchanged from the previous year, new names have made their way into the top 10 on both lists this year. The top 10 names Tennessee parents chose for their new babies born in 2011 were: Complete Story

Howerton Named Warden At Morgan County Correctional Complex

Wartburg, TN (2011-12-29) Commissioner Derrick Schofield has announced the appointment of John "Tony" Howerton to the position of Warden at the Morgan County Correctional Complex, effective January 9, 2012. Complete Story

Bell Ringers Net More Than $19,000 For Salvation Army

Oneida, TN (2011-12-27) Bell ringers for the local unit of the Salvation Army collected more than $19,000 in contributions over the holidays—the most ever amassed in a single season by the organization. Complete Story

Pregnant Oneida Woman Booked On Child Endangerment Charges

Oneida, TN (2011-12-26) A pregnant Oneida woman has been booked on child endangerment charges following her arrest last week for allegedly manufacturing, possessing and using methamphetamine. Complete Story

Toddlers Removed From Oneida Meth House

Oneida, TN (2011-12-16) Four persons have been arrested following the alleged discovery of a methamphetamine lab inside an Oneida residence. Two toddlers have been placed in protective custody, after they were found living in unsanitary conditions inside the home. Complete Story

Oneida Water And Sewer Rates To Increase 40% In 2012

Oneida, TN (2011-12-23) Beginning in January, customers of the Oneida Water and Wastewater Department will see a significant increase in their water and wastewater rates. Some of the increase will be offset by the removal of an existing surcharge. Complete Story

State Fire Marshal’s Office Urges Fire Safety For Christmas Trees

Nashville, TN (2011-12-23) The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding Tennesseans with natural, fresh-cut Christmas trees in their homes to take care to keep them in water, because of the fire risk posed when they are allowed to dry out. Complete Story

Scott Jobless Rate Down One-Half Percentage Point In November

Nashville, TN (2011-12-22) The Scott County jobless rate continued to improve in November, dropping 0.5 of percentage point over the month. Although the unemployment picture improved, Scott still reported the highest rate of joblessness in the state. Complete Story

TDOT Halts Highway Construction For Busy Holiday Travel Period

Nashville, TN (2011-12-22) Holiday travelers should enjoy a smooth drive through Tennessee during the busy Christmas and New Year’s travel holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. Complete Story

Three Oneida Players Named To All-State Team

Nashville, TN (2011-12-21) Three players on the Oneida Indians football squad were among those named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association all-state team on Tuesday. Complete Story

Yager Hopeful Local Farmers Will Receive Disaster Assistance

Nashville, TN (2011-12-20) State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) today said Morgan, Roane, and Scott Counties are among 14 Tennessee counties awaiting action from the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to receive a special disaster designation that would allow farmers to receive federal assistance. The request was made by Governor Bill Haslam last week. Complete Story

County Patiently Waiting For New Hospital Lease Proposal

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-19) The Scott County Commission Monday night was expected to act on a lease agreement with Pioneer Health Systems (Pioneer) to operate the Scott County Hospital; however, in the absence of an amended lease proposal from Pioneer, the Commission exercised patience and opted to wait for document before proceeding further. The administration holds out hope that it will have a document in hand for review before the end of the week. Complete Story

Sheriff’s Department Closes File On Claxton Case

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-19) The Scott County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has closed the file on death of a Robbins man. Complete Story

November Unemployment Rate 9.1 Percent

Rate Drops 0.4 Percentage Point from October

Nashville, TN (2011-12-15) Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development Karla Davis announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for November fell to 9.1 percent, down from the October revised rate of 9.5. The national unemployment rate for November 2011 was 8.6 percent, a decrease of 0.4 percentage point from the October rate. Complete Story

Seven Children Found Living In Meth House

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-14) A Huntsville couple is behind bars following the discovery of meth lab inside their Straight Fork home. Seven children, who reportedly were living in deplorable conditions, have been taken into protective custody.

Gary W. Handley, age 37, and Patricia B. Handley, 30, both of the Straight Fork community, were arrested on multiple drug and child abuse charges Wednesday afternoon by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. The couple, stated a warrant drafted by Sgt. Danny Phillips of the Sheriff’s Department, were allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine inside a bedroom at their residence; a home were seven children, ranging in age from 1 to 14, were reportedly living in appalling conditions. Complete Story

Sexual Offenders “Wrapped Up” By Sheriff’s Department

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-13) The Scott County Sheriff’s Department arrested four persons on sex-related crimes last Friday. The arrests were connected to the department’s crackdown on sexual offenders. Complete Story

Scott County Health Department Offers Free Adult Flu Vaccine

Huntsville. TN (2011-12-13) Flu season is here, and the Scott County Health Department is working to protect the entire community by providing free adult flu vaccinations to area residents. Appointments must be made to receive flu vaccine, and are now being scheduled at the clinic. Complete Story

Senator Yager and Representative Keisling Announce Energy Grant for Huntsville

Nashville, TN (2011-12-12) State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) and Representative Kelly Keisling (R—Byrdstown) announced today that Huntsville will receive $100,000 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds. The county will use the funds for energy efficient HVAC units, lighting, windows, doors, insulation and fire doors at two city buildings. Complete Story

Three Long Time Employees To Retire At Big South Fork

Oneida, TN (2011-12-12) The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is honored to announce the retirement of three long time National Park Service employees. Big South Fork employees Ron Cornelius, Darrel Smith and Frank Graham will be retiring at the end of December. These three individuals have a combined total of 111 years experience protecting the resources of our national parks and serving the citizens of our nation. Complete Story

Tennesseans Urged to Make Plans; Stock Supplies for Ice and Snow Conditions

Nashville, TN (2011-12-09) Winter weather in Tennessee can change quickly and leave residents dealing with the dangers posed by snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures. As part of our ongoing efforts to encourage emergency preparedness, the Tennessee Department of Health, Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency are urging Tennesseans to prepare now to stay safe and healthy during wintry weather. Complete Story

State Fire Marshal Urges Residents to Prepare Homes for Cold Weather

Nashville, TN (2011-12-09) State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak wants to remind Tennesseans to keep safe and warm, as colder weather becomes more common across the state. But she urges residents to be cautious in the use of alternate heat sources. Complete Story

TDOT Crews Stocked and Ready for Winter Weather

Nashville, TN (2011-12-09) Winter weather has already arrived in some parts of the state and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is stocked and ready to clear roadways of ice and snow this season. After two years of harsh winters, the Department has increased its snow and ice budget and added additional salt vendors to replenish salt supplies as the winter season progresses. Complete Story

School Board Rejects Bids On Fairview Parking Lot Improvements

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-08) With prices nearly twice the estimated cost of the project, the Scott County Board of Education has rejected a pair of bids on an improvement to the parking lot at Fairview Elementary School. Complete Story

28 Persons Arrested Last Week By SCSD

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-06) The Scott County Sheriff’s Department reported a busy week last week, as 28 persons were arrested between Monday, November 28, 2011 and Sunday, December 4, 2011. Complete Story

Jacksboro Man Pleads Guilty To Escape

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-05) A Jacksboro man that fled from authorities while getting medical treatment at a local hospital has pleaded guilty to escape. Complete Story

Winfield Man Accepts Plea Deal In Child Sex Abuse Case

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-05) A Winfield man accused of molesting three young girls has accepted a state offered plea deal. Complete Story

Decision Paves Way For Lease Agreement

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-05) The Community Development committee has recommended extending the Letter of Intent with Pioneer Health Services, in anticipation of signing a lease for the Scott County Hospital with the health services company. Complete Story

Former Chief Deputy Charged Following Accident

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-05) A former Scott County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy has been booked on alcohol related charges following an accident in the parking lot of the Scott County Justice Center. Complete Story

Helenwood Man Booked On Forgery Charges

Oneida, TN (2011-12-05) A Helenwood man that allegedly passed stolen checks at three local stores has been booked on theft and forgery charges.

Gary T. Stephens, 23, of Huntsville was arrested last Thursday on theft and forgery charges following an investigation into the passing of forged check at three local stores. According to an arrest warrant filed by Patrolman Joshua Kennedy of the Oneida Police Department, Stephens, the stepson of the victim, allegedly passed forged checks at the Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Oneida on three occasions. He is also accused of attempting to pass another check at least three times at the store. Stephens also reportedly wrote worthless checks to Helenwood Foods and Dollar Tree.

Stephens was booked on December 1, 2011 on charges of theft of under $500 and forgery (8 counts). He is currently housed in the Scott County Jail under a $50,000 bond.

“Touching The World For Christ” Judged Best In Annual Parade

Oneida, TN (2011-12-03) An entry by the local affiliate of Operation Christmas Child took top honors in the 63^rd Annual Scott County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade on Saturday. Complete Story

Decrease in Traffic Fatalities Over Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend

Nashville, TN (2011-12-02) The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced a preliminary figure that indicated six people were killed during the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, compared to 16 fatalities during last year’s Thanksgiving Day holiday period. If the 2011 preliminary number holds true, it will mark the lowest number of fatalities on record during the Thanksgiving holiday. Previously, the fewest number of vehicular fatalities was seven, which occurred during the 1983 Thanksgiving Day period. Complete Story

THDA Purchase Price And Income Limits Increased

Nashville, TN (2011-12-02) Recent changes to Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) mortgage loan program will broaden the range of eligible households and houses. Complete Story

Holiday Tips For Consumers Buying Gift Cards

Nashville, TN (2011-12-01) Gift cards are handy presents – especially for people who seem to have at least one of everything. During the winter shopping season, a gift card can be ideal. Complete Story

New Market Man Arrested In Auto Burglary Case

Oneida, TN (2011-11-28) A New Market man has been booked on burglary charges following an investigation into an auto burglary at a local discount store on Black Friday. Complete Story

County Jobless Rate Drops Significantly In October

Nashville, TN (2011-11-23) The unemployment rate in Scott County dropped sharply in October, declining more than a full percentage point. For the first time in many months, the jobless rate is close to 2010 levels. Complete Story

Governor Haslam Delivers $500,000 Grant Award To Town of Oneida

Oneida, TN (2011-11-22) Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam personally delivered a $500,000 check to the Town of Oneida Tuesday morning. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds will be used to rehabilitate the town’s aging sewer system. Complete Story

Kentucky Pair Arrested On Theft Charges; Third Man Sought

Oneida, TN (2011-11-22) Two Kentucky men were arrested following an alleged theft from a mass merchandise store in Oneida. A third man is still on the lam and eluding authorities. Complete Story

THP Prepares Motorists For Heavy Presence This Thanksgiving Holiday

Nashville, TN (2011-11-22) Sixteen people lost their lives on Tennessee roadways during last year’s Thanksgiving Day Holiday period. That’s why the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be hitting the roads, along with millions of Americans, in a high-visibility, safe driving enforcement campaign for the 2011 Thanksgiving Day Holiday. Complete Story

Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax Going To Referendum

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-21) The Scott County Commission voted Monday night to get the wheels rolling on a Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax for county residents. An up or down vote on the issue will be placed on a public referendum in March. Complete Story

No Lane Closures On Tennessee Highways During The Thanksgiving Holiday

Nashville, TN (2011-11-21) Thanksgiving travelers will enjoy a smooth drive through Tennessee again this year during this busy travel holiday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. All construction related lane closures will be stopped beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 23 until 6:00 a.m. Monday, November 28. Complete Story

Lowe Named Vice-Mayor; Laxton/Matthews/Kazee Retain Key Roles

Oneida, TN (2011-11-17) Keeping with tradition, the alderman who received the most votes in the recent Town of Oneida Municipal Election has been named vice-mayor. The Oneida City Council has also voted to keep all key administrative personnel for the next for years. Complete Story

Oneida Awarded $500,000 Grant For Sewer Improvements

Oneida, TN (2011-11-17) The Oneida Water and Wastewater Department and the Town of Oneida have been awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for sewer line rehabilitation. Governor Bill Haslam will make the formal announcement on Tuesday in Oneida. Complete Story

October Unemployment Rate 9.6 Percent

Nashville, TN (2011-11-17) Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development Karla Davis announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for October fell to 9.6 percent, down from the September revised rate of 9.8. The national unemployment rate for October 2011 was 9.0 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the September revised rate. Complete Story

Potter Murder Case Bound Over To Grand Jury

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-16) The murder case against an Oneida man accused of going on a shooting spree in late October has been bound over to a grand jury. The panel will consider the case in January 2012. Complete Story

Chitwood Waives Preliminary Hearing In Child Sex Abuse Case

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-16) The Winfield man accused of molesting several young female children under the age of 10 has waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Scott County General Sessions Court. He is expected to enter into a plea agreement in Scott County Criminal Court in early December. Complete Story

Dooleys Keynote Speakers At BGC Event

Oneida, TN (2011-11-16) Barbara Dooley, motivational speaker and mother of University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, and her husband, legendary Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, will be the keynote speakers at a special evening at the Boys and Girls Club of Scott County on November 28, 2011. Complete Story

Individual Artist Fellowships Available From The Tennessee Arts Commission

Nashville, TN (2011-11-15) State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) and Representative Kelly Keisling (R- Byrdstown) today urged local artists to apply for Individual Artist Fellowships which are available from the Tennessee Arts Commission for Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013). Yager said the deadline for the application is Monday, January 23, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. (CST). Complete Story

Planning Underway For 63^rd Annual Christmas Parade

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-15) With the holidays near, the Scott County Chamber of Commerce is finalizing plans for its annual Christmas Parade. The final day for persons to enter the holiday happening is Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Complete Story

Drug Take-Back: Taking Unwanted Drugs Out Of The Cupboard And Off The Streets

Oneida, TN (2011-11-14) Last Saturday, Schools Together Allowing No Drugs (STAND) and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department held Scott County’s fifth prescription drug disposal event. The take-back initiative collected nearly fifteen pounds of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Complete Story

Scott County Pair Booked On Meth Charges

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-14) Earlier this month, the Scott County Sheriff’s Department booked two Scott County men on drug charges related to the manufacture of methamphetamine. Complete Story

Scott County Woman Arrested In Georgia On Local Drug Charges

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-14) A Scott County woman that had eluded local authorities was arrested over the weekend in Georgia and returned to Scott County to face local drug charges.

Jamey Lee Simmons, 34, of Chatsworth, GA was arrested over the weekend in Georgia on outstanding local drug charges. According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Simmons, who previously lived in Scott County, was wanted on outstanding charges for the alleged sale of Oxycodone, a schedule II controlled substance.

Simmons was extradited from Georgia on Sunday and booked in the Scott County Jail. She is being held under a $25,000 bond.

Byrd Re-Elected To Highland Telephone Cooperative Board

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-12) Incumbent Board member Jan Byrd has been re-elected to the panel as representative for the 663 exchange.

As a result of the election Saturday, Jan Byrd has been re-elected to the Highland Telephone Cooperative Board of Directors over challenger Brian Strunk. Unofficially, Byrd was credited with 399 votes, or 70 percent of the total vote, while Strunk received 173 votes.

Byrd has served the 663 exchange for the previous 32 years.

Winfield Football Program Approved By School Board

Winfield, TN (2011-11-11) For the first time in school history, the Winfield Bobcats will field a football team. Complete Story

Shinkle Named Chief Of Winfield Fire Department

Winfield, TN (2011-11-11) Longtime firefighter Adam Shinkle has been named the new Chief of the Winfield Fire Department. Complete Story

NeighborWorks Providing Support For Homeowners Facing Foreclosure In Tennessee

Nashville, TN (2011-11-11) Unemployment remains above nine percent and foreclosures continue to deeply impact the lives of Tennessee families. In response, NeighborWorks Alliance of Tennessee is intensifying its efforts to assist any Tennessean facing foreclosure, including mortgage payment assistance for the unemployed and underemployed. These services are available to people living in Scott and surrounding communities. Complete Story

State Offers Tips For Online Shopping For Holiday Season

Nashville, TN (2011-11-11) Whether your gift list is ready or you are wondering how long you can wait to start your holiday shopping, the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs has tips to help you get the best deals. What’s the bottom line? Extra research can really pay off. Complete Story

Five Arrested In Helenwood Meth Bust

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-08) Five persons have been arrested following a drug bust at a pair of Helenwood homes. More than 60 one-pot methamphetamine labs were identified by authorities near the homes, along with evidence of up to 100 previous “cooks”. Complete Story

Secretary Hargett Commends Scott County Clerk Pat Phillips For Assisting With Free Photo Ids

Nashville, TN (2011-11-08) Secretary of State Tre Hargett has commended Scott County Clerk Pat Phillips for providing free photo identification for Tennesseans to help them meet the requirements of a new voting law. Under the new law, which takes effect January 1, 2012, voters will be required to show state- or federally-issued photo IDs to cast ballots in Tennessee elections. Complete Story

Wheel Tax Talks Go Round And Round

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-17) With an opinion from the Attorney General on the legality of exempting certain classifications of vehicles from a proposed motor vehicle privilege tax potentially several months away, the Intergovernmental Committee has recommended the Commission change direction in its quest to inject new revenue into the county’s overstretched budget. If approved by the full county legislative body, the issue could appear on a public referendum in March 2012. Complete Story

Lay Elected Mayor; Lay Joins Field Of Incumbents On Town Council

Oneida, TN (2011-11-05) Jack E. Lay has won an unprecedented fifth, four-year term as Mayor of Oneida. Linda Lay, the wife of Oneida businessmen John C. Lay, has earned her first political seat, joining a field of incumbents in winning a seat on the Oneida City Council. Complete Story

Potter Arraigned On First Degree Murder Charge

Huntsville, TN (2011-11-04) An Oneida man accused of going on a shooting spree last weekend has had another day in court. On Friday, Greg D. Potter, 54, of Oneida was arraigned on first degree murder charges following the death of one of his victims. It’s not the first time Potter has been charged with murder. Complete Story

Oneida High A.F. Bridges Divisional Winner; Baggett Named Administrator Of the Year

Hermitage, TN (2011-11-04) Oneida High School has been named a divisional winner in the A.F. Bridges Awards program administered through the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA). Former Oneida School Director S. Henry Baggett has been named a divisional Administrator of the Year. Complete Story

Big South Fork Announces New Hours For Bandy Creek Visitor Center

Oneida, Tennessee (2011-11-04) The Bandy Creek Visitor Center in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be changing to new hours for the late fall and winter seasons. Complete Story

As You Adjust Your Clocks, Change Smoke Alarm Batteries

Nashville, TN (2011-11-03) Tennessee State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak is reminding Tennesseans to change their smoke alarms’ batteries this weekend when they set back their clocks late Saturday night for daylight saving time. Complete Story

It’s Shoebox Time In Tennessee!!!

Scott County, TN (2011-01-02) In Scott County homes, businesses, schools, and churches, people are piling up shoe boxes…filled not with shoes, but toys, school supplies and necessity items, lovingly selected for a child in need. Many Scott County kids are participating in Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, to make a statement to needy children worldwide: “You are not forgotten!” Complete Story

Florida Couple Arrested On Local Drug Charges

Oneida, TN (2011-11-01) A verbal dispute between a Florida couple resulted in their arrest on drug charges in Oneida. Complete Story

Winfield Man Arrested On Child Sex Charges

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-31) A Winfield man arrested in mid-October on child sex charges has been charged with six additional counts. The new charges were lodged against him Monday during an appearance in Scott County General Sessions Court. Complete Story

DA: Evidence Warrants Attempted Murder Charges

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-31) An Oneida man that was charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault following a shooting over the weekend is now being held on attempted murder charges. A preliminary hearing in the case has been set on Wednesday. Complete Story

Over 675 Cast Ballots In Oneida Municipal Election

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-31) Today is the final day of voting in the 14-day Early Voting period for the November 5, 2011 Town of Oneida Municipal Election. As of Saturday, October 29, 2011, 676 persons have cast ballots. Complete Story

Oneida Man Charged Following Bear Creek Shooting

Oneida, TN (2011-10-29) Three persons were injured—one critically—in an overnight shooting at a chicken house on Bear Creek Road in Oneida. The suspected shooter is in jail.

Chris Marcum, Ben Cooper, and Dustin Hatfield, all of Oneida, were reportedly wounded following an incident at an abandoned chicken house on Bear Creek Road in Oneida around 9:30 p.m. Saturday night. The trio, stated authorities, was among some 28 persons who had gathered at the former chicken house to celebrate Halloween. Complete Story

11.5 Percent Of All Income Comes From Social Security In Scott County

Washington, DC (2011-10-28) If Scott County residents didn’t receive their monthly payments from the Social Security Administration, 11.5 percent of total personal income in the county would be lost, a total of $57,212,140 in 2009. Complete Story

Scott Jobless Rate Declined Slightly In September

Nashville, TN (2011-10-27) The jobless rate in Scott County declined slightly in September. Despite the decline, Scott County once again has the highest jobless rate in the State of Tennessee. Complete Story

THP Urge Motorists To Beware During Halloween Holiday Weekend

Nashville, TN (2011-10-27) The Tennessee Highway Patrol would like to encourage everyone to take extra precautions this weekend to ensure a safe and happy Halloween. State Troopers will be conducting safety checkpoints, sobriety roadblocks, saturation patrols and other enforcement techniques to look for aggressive or impaired drivers and ultimately save lives. Complete Story

450 Cast Ballots In Oneida Municipal Election

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-26) With just five days remaining in the 14-day Early Voting period for the November 5, 2011 Town of Oneida Municipal Election, 450 persons have cast ballots. The final day to vote early is October 31, 2011. Complete Story

Human Remains Identified; Skeleton Found

Robbins, TN (2011-10-25) Human remains discovered on the lawn of a Robbins residence have been positively identified. The dog that initially discovered the remains has attacked a Sheriff’s Department Detective and has been euthanized. Authorities have recovered the rest of the victim’s skeletal remains. Complete Story

Perry Surrenders Kentucky Medical License

Louisville, KY (2011-10-25) Former Oneida physician Larry E. Perry has agreed to surrender his Kentucky medical license in the wake of a two-state investigation into alleged misconduct with female patients. Complete Story

NPS To Waive Select Fees For Veterans Day Weekend

Oneida, TN (2011-10-25) Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced that the National Park Service will once again offer fee free days this year to encourage Americans to visit these national treasures. Complete Story

About 400 Voters Cast Ballots In Oneida Municipal Election

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-24) After the first week of early voting in the Oneida Municipal Election, nearly 400 persons have cast ballots. The final day to vote early is October 31, 2011. Election Day is November 5, 2011. Complete Story

September State Unemployment Rate 9.8 Percent

Rate Up 0.1 Percentage Point from August

Nashville, TN (2011-10-20) Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development Karla Davis announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for September was 9.8 percent, up from the August revised rate of 9.7. The national unemployment rate for September 2011 was 9.1 percent, unchanged from the August revised rate. Complete Story

Yager Receives Prestigious Award From Tennessee Community Organizations

Nashville, TN (2011-10-20) State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) has received the “Legislator of the Year” award from the Tennessee Community Organizations (TNCO). The honor was awarded to Yager yesterday at the organization’s annual ceremony at the Doubletree Hotel in Murfreesboro. Complete Story

Nearly 200 Vote In Opening Days Of Oneida Municipal Election

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-18) After two days of polling in the Town of Oneida Municipal Election, nearly two hundred registered voters have cast their ballots. Early Voting for the November 5, 2011 election will end on October 31, 2011. Complete Story

Human Remains Found In Black Creek Community

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-18) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the discovery of human remains in the Black Creek Community.

According to Scott County Sheriff Mike Cross, human skeletal remains were found in Robbins late Monday night. Although the remains were found near a residence at 3074 Mountain View Road, authorities are uncertain of where they came from. The bones were reportedly discovered by a dog, which brought them to that location.

Early Tuesday morning, local authorities, along with a team from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and a representative of the medical examiner’s office returned to the scene. Utilizing a specially-trained canine, authorities scoured the landscape looking for other remains; however, none were found. Later in the day, local authorities, along with volunteers from the South Scott Fire Department and the Scott County Rescue Squad started the arduous task of walking through the woods looking for clues or other remains. As of sunset, teams were unsuccessful.

The remains found on Monday were taken to the University of Tennessee Forensics Anthropology Center for examination.

According to Cross, the Sheriff’s Department doesn’t have any active missing person reports on file from the area near the discovery.

Scott Election Commission Holding Town Hall Meeting To Discuss New Voter Photo ID Law

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-18) A new law that will require voters to show a valid photo ID at the polls won't go into effect until next year, but in preparation for this new requirement, the Scott County Election Commission will hold a town hall meeting to inform the public of the change in the law in early November. Complete Story

Legal Question Over Exemptions Puts Brakes On Wheel Tax

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-17) Facing uncertainty on the legality of planned exemptions to a proposed wheel tax, the Scott County Commission has chosen to delay action on the issue pending an opinion from the Tennessee Attorney General. Complete Story

Early Voting Underway In Town Of Oneida Election

Oneida, TN (2011-10-17) Early Voting for the November 2011 Oneida Municipal Election is underway. Polling will continue through the end of the month. Complete Story

Local County Clerks Provide Greater Access To Photo IDs For Voters

Nashville, TN (2011-10-12) Commissioner Bill Gibbons announced Wednesday that the Department of Safety and Homeland Security is making more options available for registered voters to get photo driver licenses or identification cards for voting purposes. Under a new state law, starting in 2012 voters will have to show a state or federal issued photo ID to cast a ballot at the polls in Tennessee. Complete Story

Scott County Receives Three-Star Recertification

Nashville, TN (2011-10-12) Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty announced today that Scott County has achieved certification under the state’s Three- Star program for excellence in economic development. Complete Story

Escape Leads To Lockdown Of Burchfield Elementary

Oneida, TN (2011-10-11) An attempted escape by an inmate from the Scott County Jail led to the lockdown of Burchfield Elementary School Tuesday afternoon. Complete Story

Two Killed In Two Vehicle Crash

Oneida, TN (2011-10-09) Two people were killed Sunday night in a two vehicle traffic crash on Scott Highway just south of Oneida. Complete Story

Commission Considers Enacting Wheel Tax

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-03) With the 2011-2012 budget depleting fund balances to dangerously low levels, County Mayor Jeff Tibbals has suggested the implementation of a wheel tax to increase county revenues. The Intergovernmental Committee has recommended the full Commission accept his plan and impose a $30 wheel tax by vote of the county legislative body. Complete Story

Sexton Charged With Second Degree Murder In Letner Shooting

Huntsville, TN (2011-10-03) A man being held by authorities on weapon and drug violations has been charged with second degree murder in the death of a Cherry Fork man. Complete Story

February 2012

2012-02-01 Local Theatre Hosting Knoxville Theatre Group

January 2012

2012-01-31 Scott Schools “Teachers Of The Year” Announced

2012-01-30 Former Fentress County Coach Booked On Local Drug Charges

2012-01-26 “Shop Scott” Website Launched At Annual Chamber Meeting

2012-01-26 Scott Jobless Rate Spikes In December

2012-01-24 Oneida City Council/Water Board Discuss Reasons For Water Rate Hike

2012-01-24 Campbell County Trio Arrested In Drug Operation

2012-01-24 Sheriff’s Department Searches Winfield Pond For Missing Mother

2012-01-24 Senator Yager Offers Students Opportunity To Learn About Government First-Hand

2012-01-23 Record Decline In Traffic Fatalities On Tennessee Roadways In 2011