Area News

Scott County slammed by Winter Weather By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] While predictions of a foot of snow did not matriculate, the snow and ice combination was enough to bring East Tennessee to a screeching standstill, as Scott County officials moved quickly to prepare for deteriorating winter conditions. Ahead of what was hyped…

Cumberland Clear warns legislators that voters are watching   By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] Cumberland Clear, the citizen-based organization formed in response to the proposed Roberta II landfill, continued its battle against the local landfill proposal with a trip to Nashville last week, aimed at ensuring state legislators hear directly from communities being…

Landfill Still Faces Scrutiny Despite State Wildlife Sign-Off By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] Last week, SCN published an article titled “Could Endangered Species Lawsuit Impact Roberta?” examining whether a recent lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could have implications for the proposed Roberta II landfill development in northern Scott County. The…

McMillan enters race for State House By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] Seth McMillan, a local certified public accountant and native of Scott County, announced last week that he is seeking the House Seat for Tennessee 38th District, currently held by Republican Kelly Keisling. McMillan pointed to strong opposition to the proposed landfill as…

Big South Fork Medical Expansion brings critical health care   By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] Scott County is once again raising the bar when it comes to health care, as Big South Fork Medical Center (BSFMC) helps lead the way with an annoucement of the facility’s expansive services. Last week, the hospital announced…

County Commission commits additional funds to fight Roberta By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] Following weeks of community anticipation, the Scott County Commission met last Tuesday and formally introduced a resolution reaffirming its support for the Scott-McCreary Environmental Coalition (SMEC) and its ongoing legal and investigative efforts opposing the proposed Roberta II landfill. The…

Halo’s Home set to expand By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] For years, advocates in Scott County have called for an animal shelter, often unaware that one already existed. It’s a plight, organizers say, they’ve had to deal with, but Halo’s Home, a no-kill, nonprofit animal rescue, has served the county for years despite…

Medical Industry Grows in Scott County By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] The medical landscape in Scott County continues to show significant expansion, bringing new services and improved access to care to local residents. Over the past year, Big South Fork Medical Center has launched a wound care clinic, while Huntsville Post-Acute & Rehabilitation…

Human Trafficking in Scott County By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] As the world marks Human Trafficking Month in January, SCN sought to examine the impact of human trafficking in our own backyard. For many small towns, like ours, the issue is often imagined as a dramatic crime involving strangers, abductions, and white vans…

Sheriff Partners with TCAT By Shane Gilreath SCN Contributing Editor [email protected] Sheriff Brian Keeton announced last week the launch of a new Welding Program at the Scott County Jail, marking another significant step in expanding vocational training opportunities for incarcerated individuals in Scott County. The new program is offered in partnership with the Tennessee College…