Area News

New Law puts Gun Safety in TN Schools   By Shane Gilreath [email protected] A new state law, which went into effect with the 2025-26 school year, will mandate firearm safety be taught in Tennessee schools. The law will require all children, including those as young as kindergartners, to learn the basics of gun safety. The…

High Drama as Cumberland Clear requests Beaty recusal By Shane Gilreath [email protected] If you thought the landfill debate couldn’t get more complicated, a further twist was thrown into proceedings last week, when SCN obtained a copy of a letter, dated August 21, 2025, and addressed to Scott County Mayor Jerried Jeffers and County Attorney John…

Another Day, Another Landfill Controversy By Shane Gilreath [email protected] While much of Scott County has been focused on a second proposed landfill, which has garnered considerably controversy across the area, according to the documents obtained from the Tennessee Division of Air Pollution Control, the current landfill, Volunteer Regional, has applied for a permit for the…

Gather rallies the faithful at Kirk vigil By Shane Gilreath [email protected] As the sun sank over downtown Oneida last Tuesday, candles flickered in the dusk, held in the hands of Scott County’s faithful, casting warm halos against the autumn afternoon. Mourners stood close, faces lit by the candles’ soft glow. Some shed silent tears, overcome…

Cumberland Clear prays for guidance By Shane Gilreath [email protected] After months of wrangling with organizers over a proposed landfill and transfer station in North Scott County, Cumberland Clear sought higher refuge. On Monday, September 15th, the organization, which sprang to life to combat environmental concerns associated with the landfill and beyond, hosted a community prayer…

A County in Prayer In Scott County, faith has long served as a unifying force during moments of uncertainty, grief, and crisis. Early last week, the community played witness to two widely attended prayer services demonstrating the community’s deep reliance on prayer for strength and clarity. On Monday, 150 citizens and multiple clergymen from several…

Local Leader Passes Unexpectedly By Shane Gilreath [email protected] Hal Leftwich, respected CEO of Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida, passed away unexpectedly last week, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and dedication to community healthcare. His work over the last seven years served to transform the hospital into a place of healing and…

McCreary Investigation highlights Tennessee, National Problem By Shane Gilreath [email protected] From the outside looking in, McCreary County has had a rough few weeks. With recent occurrences of a grisly Stearns murder, a former principal in federal prison, and a state police investigation into an alleged school hazing, when allegations broke of illegal activity at two…

Environmental Degradation: Part I Is the “Rape of Appalachia” still pertinent? By Shane Gilreath [email protected] The Appalachian region is often celebrated for its serene beauty and deep cultural resilience,  but it has equally been historically viewed as a sacrificial zone – a red-headed stepchild, to use a regional colloquialism – for industries long connected with environmental…