Independent Herald: News

Scott County’s jobless rate falls again

Ben Garrett — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:26:53 GMT

Good Thursday evening! This is The Weekender, a final look at this week’s news from the Independent Herald. The Daybreaker (Monday) and The Weekender (Thursday evening) are our two news-first newsletters. We publish several other newsletters throughout the week, as well as our regular E-Edition on Thursday and our Varsity E-Edition on Sunday (during sports season). If you’d like to adjust your subscription to include (or exclude) any of these newsletters, do so here. If you haven’t subscribed, please consider doing so!

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Buckeye Home Medical Equipment. Serving Scott County and several other communities in the Upper Cumberland region, Buckeye is a full-line DME providing home health equipment to its patients.

Photo by Nate Johnston on Unsplash

Scott County’s unemployment rate falls to 4.4%

Scott County’s unemployment rate declined for the second consecutive month in August, falling three-tenths of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.

According to data released last week by the TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development, Scott County’s jobless rate dropped from 4.7 percent in July to 4.4 percent in August. The unemployment rate has now fallen six-tenths of a percentage point since standing at 5.0 percent in June.

The August unemployment rate was based on an estimated local work force of 8,795, of which 8,411 were employed and 384 were unemployed. Both employment and the size of the work force declined from July. The estimated work force decreased by 86 people, while the number of employed Scott Countians declined by 54 and the number of unemployed workers declined by 32.

Scott County’s unemployment rate remained higher than it was a year ago. The county’s jobless rate stood at 4.1 percent in August 2025.

Tennessee’s highest unemployment rates in August were found in Hancock and Perry counties, at 5.5 percent each. They were followed by Pickett County at 5.2 percent, Hardeman County at 5.1 percent, and Meigs and Shelby counties at 5.0 percent. Greene County had an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent, while Lake and Lauderdale counties were at 4.8 percent. Benton, Decatur and Weakley counties each had unemployment rates of 4.7 percent.

The state’s lowest unemployment rates in August were found in Cheatham and Sevier counties, at 2.9 percent. Dickson, Macon, Robertson, Williamson and Wilson counties each had unemployment rates of 3.0 percent.

Among neighboring counties, Anderson and Fentress counties each had unemployment rates of 3.5 percent, while Campbell County’s jobless rate was 3.8 percent and Morgan County’s unemployment rate was 4.2 percent.

Among the state’s major metropolitan areas, Nashville showed the way at 3.1 percent, followed by Knoxville at 3.2 percent, Chattanooga at 3.4 percent and Memphis at 4.6 percent.

The unemployment rate increased in 45 of Tennessee’s 95 counties during August, declined in 22 counties and remained unchanged in 28 counties. The statewide unemployment rate was 3.4 percent, while the national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.

Huntsville Post-Acute & Rehabilitation Center offers short-term or long-term care … on your terms. Learn more. (Sponsored content.)

Sen. Yager announces $71,000 in grant funding for senior services in Scott County

NASHVILLE, Tenn. | State Sen. Ken Yager, R-Kingston, announced this week that the Scott County Senior Citizens Center and Scott Appalachian Industries are among five senior citizen programs in District 12 that have been awarded grants by the TN Dept. of Disability & Aging.

The grants are part of a $5 million investment in senior centers approved by the Tennessee General Assembly in this year’s state budget.

Scott Appalachian Industries was awarded $23,000 for its senior citizens programs, while the Scott County Senior Citizens Center in Oneida was awarded $48,000.

Other grants awarded in District 12, which Yager represents, included $50,000 to the Clay County Senior Citizens Center, $50,000 to the Overton County Senior Activity Center, and $40,000 to the Senior Citizens Center of Campbell County.

A total of 122 grants were awarded throughout the state.

The Scott County Senior Citizens Center offers several programs for seniors, including exercise on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., along with meals on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with various other programs.

The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center also offers a wide variety of programs, including a walking program, games, and massage chairs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each weekday, along with congregate meals that are free for ages 60 and over at 12 p.m. each weekday, and various other special programs that are announced by month.

Mountain People’s Health Councils offers general practice dentistry for all ages, using the latest technology for dental imagery and digital scanning. Sliding scale fees apply! Learn more. (Sponsored.)

ICYMI

Threads of Life: This week’s Threads of Life newsletter is in remembrance of Betty Boles, Alma DeBord, Linda King, Gail Shoopman, and Martha Kidd. » Read It

Echoes in Time: This week’s Echoes in Time newsletter takes a look at the Buffalo community through the years. » Read It

The Weekend

🌧️ Weather: Rain will be likely this weekend, beginning Friday afternoon and continuing through Sunday. Exact amounts are uncertain, but there will be strong probabilities of rain each day. Temperatures will range from the mid 80s on Friday to the low 70s by Sunday. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page— published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot.

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⛪︎ Featured Church

Bible Believers

Denomination: Baptist
Pastor: Joey Zachary
Address: 120 Cooper Lake Road, Oneida

Services
Sunday School: 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning: 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening: 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 p.m.

» See the complete Church Directory, and thank you to our sponsors of the Church Directory.

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📅 Community Calendar

• Saturday: First Saturday night services will be held at Capitol Hill Missionary Baptist Church (6:30 p.m.), East Robbins Missionary Baptist Church (6 p.m.), Norma Missionary Baptist Church (6 p.m.), and Black Creek Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church (7 p.m.). For more information, see our Church Directory at www.independentherald.net.

• Sunday: Celebrate Recovery, a 12-step program designed to help with addiction, co-dependency and domestic abuse, will be hosted by Fire & Purpose Ministries from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 27192 Scott Highway in Winfield. There will be food, fellowship, praise and worship. Childcare is provided.

The Community Calendar is presented weekly by Citizens Gas Utility District. You can help prevent pipeline damage and leaks by calling 811 before doing any excavating or demolition and submitting a utility locate request. Visit citizensgastn.com.

Scenic Sale!

This week’s sale items at Scenic Foods in Huntsville! The sale continues through Tuesday. Sponsored content.

Thank you for reading. Our next newsletter will be Friday Features. If you’d like to update your subscription to add or subtract any of our newsletters, do so here. If you haven’t yet subscribed, it’s as simple as adding your email address!

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Our Newsletters:
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• Tuesday: Echoes from the Past (stories of our history)
• Wednesday: Threads of Life (obituaries)
• Thursday evening: The Weekender (news & the weekend)
• Friday: Friday Features (beyond the news)
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Scott, Oneida set to move down a class in some sports

Ben Garrett — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:30:48 GMT

Photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplash

Scott, Oneida set to move down a class in some sports

Based on the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s initial classifications for the 2027-2029 cycle, it appears that Scott High will be moving from Class 3A to Class 2A in basketball, baseball and softball, and that Oneida will be moving from Class 2A to Class 1A in football.

Those are the major moves as they concern local schools in TSSAA’s initial classifications, which were released Tuesday and are based on enrollment numbers submitted by each school.

Scott High’s new enrollment number is 630, down approximately 10% from the current enrollment numbers that have been used by TSSAA for the past two years. Oneida’s new enrollment number is 322, down about 13% from the current number.

Based on the state body’s initial projections, Oneida will be solidly in Class 1A in football and will remain in Class 1A in basketball, baseball and softball, while Scott High will remain in Class 3A in football and will move down to Class 2A in basketball, baseball and softball — though just barely.

According to the state’s numbers, Scott High would be tied with Stratford High School in Nashville as the largest Class 2A basketball school in the state. Ridgeway High School, with just four more students, is the smallest Class 3A school.

The classifications are subject to change, as teams have until Oct. 2 to appeal TSSAA’s decision or request to play up a classification.

However, while TSSAA routinely allows schools to play up a class, they do not ordinarily allow a team to play down a class based on enrollment numbers. If a school smaller than Scott chooses to play up, it would enhance the Highlanders’ chances of remaining in Class 2A.

In football, Scott is certain to stay in Class 3A. There are 32 schools smaller than Scott in Class 3A, and 16 schools larger. Alcoa, with an enrollment of 685, is the smallest Class 4A school in the state.

As for Oneida, the Indians have solidified their Class 1A classification in basketball. Under the current classification, Oneida is one of the largest Class 1A basketball schools in the state. Now, however, there are 21 schools larger than Oneida in Class 1A. In football, Oneida is projected to go from being one of the smallest Class 2A schools in the state to one of the largest Class 1A schools. According to TSSAA’s numbers, Oneida would rank No. 44 out of 51 Class 1A football schools, in terms of enrollment. Eagleville, at 354, is the smallest Class 2A football school in the state.

TSSAA has four classes in basketball, baseball and softball, and six in football. Each class is evenly divided.

Next up for TSSAA schools will be to learn their district and region pairings, which could change, at least slightly, even in football for Scott High and in basketball, baseball and softball for Oneida.

The Highlanders will certainly have a new district in basketball, as current district foes Anderson County, Clinton, Gibbs, and Union County all remain in Class 3A.

That district has proven favorable for Scott High. The women’s basketball team won their first district championship since the 1990s during the 2024-2025 season, and the men’s basketball team played in the district championship game earlier this year for the first time since the 1990s.

However, Lady Highlander coach Rusty Yaden has expressed an interest in moving down to Class 2A, citing region pairings that are potentially more favorable.

Some of the teams that Scott could potentially be paired with in its new district for basketball, baseball and softball include Cumberland Gap, Eagleton Academy, Austin-East, and Kingston. Other teams relatively close by that will be in Class 2A include Gatlinburg-Pittman, Pigeon Forge, and Claiborne.

When Oneida was in Class 2A for basketball prior to the 2024-2025 season, the Indians shared a district with Eagleton Academy, Austin-East, Gatlinburg-Pittman and Pigeon Forge, along with Alcoa, which will be a Class 3A school.

In football, Scott’s region could potentially remain largely unchanged, as its current region opponents — Austin-East, Kingston, McMinn Central, and Sweetwater — all remain in Class 3A. The only exception is Meigs County, which is expected to move down to Class 2A.

For Oneida, the new football region could include teams like Coalfield, Sunbright, Oakdale, Greenback, Harriman, Oliver Springs, Midway, Rockwood, and Wartburg, though all of those teams will not be in the same region.

Oneida’s district for basketball, baseball and softball could remain unchanged. The Indians’ current district foes — Coalfield, Jellico, Wartburg, Oliver Springs, Sunbright and Wartburg — will all remain in Class 1A.

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A nice fall weekend is on tap, but the heat isn’t finished

A beautiful weekend will bring fall-like weather to East Tennessee, but the summer heat isn’t completely over.

We’re expecting dry conditions, with plenty of sunshine and high temperatures only about 73° to 74° today, tomorrow and Sunday, with nighttime lows dipping into the upper 40s. It’ll be the coolest weekend we’ve had since football season started, and our first break from the summer heat since May.

But the summer heat will make a return next week. We’ll be back into the low 80s by Tuesday, and we’re expecting the mid to upper 80s by the middle of the week, with the hot temperatures extending into next weekend before we have a shot at another cold front that could deliver another round of fall-like weather.

Forecasters say the strong El Niño pattern that has developed in the Pacific Ocean will keep warmer-than-average summer weather in our forecast through at least the middle of October. Long-range meteorologists are predicting above-average temperatures through the months of November and December, as well.

Trump to visit Knoxville for Vols game

President Donald J. Trump will be in East Tennessee Saturday to attend the highly-anticipated football game at Neyland Stadium.

No. 14 Tennessee, which is off to a 3-0 start, is scheduled to face No. 1 Texas at 12 p.m. Saturday. The Longhorns, which vaulted to the top spot in the rankings after a comeback from a three-touchdown deficit in the fourth quarter against previously top-ranked Ohio State, are quarterbacked by Arch Manning, the nephew of former Vol Peyton Manning.

Reports emerged on Wednesday that Trump would be in attendance for Saturday’s game. In response, the University of Tennessee announced that gates to Neyland Stadium will open at 9 a.m. and that additional U.S. Secret Service checkpoints will be present at each entry.

Trump has made attendance at high-profile sporting events a hallmark of his administration. He attended the World Cup championship between Spain and Portugal last summer, and also attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

ICYMI

Threads of Life: This week’s Threads of Life newsletter is in remembrance of Ruth Wesley, Glenna Harness, and Ramona Crabtree. » Read It

Echoes in Time: This week’s Echoes in Time newsletter takes a look at days past in the Brimstone community near Robbins. » Read It

The Weekend

🌥️ Weather: Daytime highs in the low to mid 70s, nighttime lows in the mid to upper 40s, and dry weather as far as the high can see! Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page— published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot.

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⛪︎ Featured Church

Black Creek Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church

Denomination: Baptist (Missionary)
Pastor: Jerry Byrge
Address: Mountain View Road, Robbins

Services
Sunday Morning: 10 a.m.
Sunday Evening: 6 p.m.
1st & 3rd Saturday: 6 p.m.

» See the complete Church Directory, and thank you to our sponsors of the Church Directory.

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📅 Community Calendar

• Saturday: The annual Scott County Heritage Festival will be held at the Museum of Scott County, on the campus of Scott High School, Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. There will be live music, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and authentic demonstrations.

• Saturday: Fourth Saturday night worship services will be held at Straight Fork Baptist Church (7 p.m.), and Antioch Baptist Church (6:30 p.m.). For more information, see our Church Directory at www.independentherald.net.

Scenic Sale!

This week’s sale items at Scenic Foods in Huntsville! The sale continues through Tuesday. Sponsored content.

◼️ About the IH • IH Sports Network • The Encyclopedia of Scott County
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One of Scott County’s most unique homes is on the market

Ben Garrett — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:17:53 GMT

Mountain View ‘underground home’ listed for sale

ROBBINS | One of Scott County’s most unique homes is on the market.

Known locally as “the underground house,” the bunker-style home on Mountain View Road is listed for $224,900 by East Tennessee Realtors.

The home is being marketed as a “rare earth-sheltered, bunker-style home.” It is a two-bedroom, two-bath home totaling 1,449 square feet. It is situated on 8.2 acres and includes a detached two-car garage.

The home, located at 1803 Mountain View Road in Robbins, was originally built in 1977. It is currently owned by Victor Martin, of Wildwood, Fla., according to property tax records. The realtor’s listing indicates that the home was designed and built by the seller’s father.

While the home is covered by earth, it features concrete block walls and a steel-reinforced concrete ceiling.

The home has been listed for nearly two months. According to the listing, it needs repairs and updating.

Huntsville Post-Acute & Rehabilitation Center offers short-term or long-term care … on your terms. Learn more. (Sponsored content.)

TSSAA enrollment numbers show declining student bodies

The numbers that will be used to separate Tennessee’s high schools into sports classifications for the next two years confirm what was already apparent: enrollments are shrinking.

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association this week released enrollment numbers that have been reported by each of the state’s 457 public or private high schools. Those numbers will be used for reclassification purposes.

Oneida reported an enrollment of 322, while Scott High reported an enrollment of 630.

Both of those numbers are down substantially from two years ago. At that time, Oneida’s enrollment was 370 and Scott High’s was 701. Oneida’s enrollment has dropped 13.0% since then, and Scott High’s has dropped 10.1%.

Currently, Oneida participates in Class 2A in football, Class 1A in basketball, baseball and softball, and Class A in soccer.

Scott High participates in Class 3A for football, basketball, baseball and softball, and Class AA for soccer.

Although both schools have experienced decreased enrollment, it’s not clear that sports classifications will change, due most other schools also seeing decreased enrollment. That’s particularly true for Scott High, which is firmly in the middle of Class 3A. Oneida, on the other hand, is currently one of the smallest schools in the state in Class 2A for football, and one of the largest schools in the state in Class 1A for basketball, baseball and softball.

For example, Oneida’s current region opponents in football include Tellico Plains, Eagleton Academy, and Polk County. Those schools’ numbers in 2024 were 416, 451, and 435, respectively. This year, their enrollments are 386, 460, and 369. Eagleton is an exception to the rule, with a slightly increased enrollment.

Scott High’s current region opponents in football include Meigs County, McMinn Central, Austin-East, Kingston, and Sweetwater. Their new enrollments are 479, 530, 591, 612, and 572. Their old enrollments were 536, 607, 662, 618, and 570.

Under the current classification, there are 51 teams in Class 1A for football, 49 in Class 2A, 50 in Class 3A, 51 in Class 4A, 49 in Class 5A, and 50 in Class 6A.

The enrollment cutoff for Class 1A under the current system was 351. Teams smaller than Oneida in Class 2A include Houston County, Mitchell, Gordonsville, and Halls. Meanwhile, the cutoff for Class 2A under the current system was 528, and the cutoff for Class 3A was 743.

Based on the new numbers, Oneida is the 132nd-largest school in the state, while Scott High is the 272nd-largest. However, many of the schools beneath both of them in terms of enrollment do not participate in some sports.

In basketball, Oneida’s current district opponents are Coalfield, Jellico, Oliver Springs, Sunbright, and Wartburg. Scott High’s district opponents are Anderson County, Clinton, Gibbs, and Union County.

Under the current classification, there are 89 schools in Class 1A for basketball, baseball and softball, with 85 in Class 2A, 86 in Class 3A, and 86 in Class 4A.

Scott County’s Emma Carroll performs at Colts’ halftime show

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. | Scott County native Emma Carroll and her Ball State dance teammates performed — along with other dance teams from the state of Indiana — at the Indianapolis Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium during Sunday’s NFL season-opener.

Ball State’s Code Red dance team was invited to perform with the Indianapolis Colts’ cheerleading squad during halftime of the Colts’ game against Baltimore on Sunday. The Ravens won the game, 41-23.

Emma Carroll is pictured at the Indianapolis Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. (Photo: Emma Carroll.)

A 2025 graduate of Scott High School, Carroll is a sophomore at Ball State. She trained at Gotta Dance Studio in Oneida prior to receiving a scholarship at Ball State University, which is located in Muncie, Ind.

Sunday’s performance was the second big stage of the early season for the Code Red team, which previously performed at Ohio State’s Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, during the college football season-opener earlier this month.

Ball State’s home opener was on Saturday, a 41-17 win over Stony Brook.

Ball State’s remaining home games are against Toledo on Oct. 3, Sacramento State on Oct. 24, Buffalo on Nov. 11, and Central Michigan on Nov. 28.

The Weekend

🌥️ Weather: It’s going to be hot. Which isn’t really news anymore. But hopefully this will be our last 90-degree weekend of 2026. Temperatures will push into the low 90s Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a very slight chance of a stray afternoon thunderstorm each day. Nighttime lows will be in the upper 60s. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page— published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot.

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⛪︎ Featured Church

Big Ridge Road

Denomination: Baptist (Missionary)
Pastor: Devin Rose
Address: 237 Big Ridge Road, Oneida

Services

Sunday School: 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning: 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening: 6 p.m.

» See the complete Church Directory, and thank you to our sponsors of the Church Directory.

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📅 Community Calendar

• Friday: High school football finds both teams at home. Oneida will host Tellico Plains (7:30 p.m.) and Scott High will host McMinn Central (7:30 p.m.). The Sevenly Construction Pregame Show will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the IH Sports Network.

• Saturday: The Scott County Farmers & Crafters Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Scott High Drive in Huntsville.

• Saturday: Big South Fork Brewing (Main Street, Oneida) will host its one-year birthday bash, opening at 12 p.m. At 6 p.m., the first keg of custom craft beer ever brewed in Scott County will be tapped.

• Saturday: Third Saturday night worship services will be held at Lone Mountain Baptist Church (6 p.m.), Capital Hill Missionary Baptist Church (6:30 p.m.), Black Creek Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church (7 p.m.), High Point United Baptist Church (7 p.m.), and House of the Lord (7 p.m.). For more information, see the Church Directory at www.independentherald.net.

Scenic Sale!

This week’s sale items at Scenic Foods in Huntsville! The sale continues through Tuesday. Sponsored content.

◼️ About the IH • IH Sports Network • The Encyclopedia of Scott County
◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Manage Your Account
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A Scott County sweep at the Tennessee Valley Fair

Ben Garrett — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:12:13 GMT

Good Monday morning! Welcome to a brand new week. This is The Daybreaker, the first of several newsletters that will be published this week by the Independent Herald. The Daybreaker (Monday morning) and The Weekender (Thursday evening) are our two news-first newsletters. We publish several other newsletters throughout the week, as well as our regular E-Edition on Thursday and our Varsity E-Edition on Sunday (during sports season). If you’d like to adjust your subscription to include (or exclude) this or any of our other newsletters, please do so here. If you need to subscribe, it’s as simple as entering your email address:

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A Scott County sweep at the Tennessee Valley Fair

Jaeda Newport (center) is flanked by RaeLynne Blevins (right) and ShayLeigh Gray (left), as the trio of Scott County girls claimed the top three spots in the Tennessee Valley Fairest of the Fair on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Jaeda Newport.)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | It was a good night for Scott County at the Tennessee Valley Fair on Saturday.

Not only did girls from Scott County sweep the Tennessee Valley Fairest of the Fair and Fairest of the Fair Junior competitions Saturday evening, but contestants from Scott County claimed the top three spots in Saturday’s nightcap at the Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center.

The 110th edition of the Tennessee Valley Fair, which began Friday and continues all this week, saw Helenwood’s Jayden Gray crowned the Junior Fairest of the Fair (ages 13 to 15), and Huntsville’s Jaeda Newport crowned the Fairest of the Fair (ages 16 to 20).

Jayden Gray (right) is pictured with her sister, ShayLeigh Gray, after she won the Tennessee Valley Fairest of the Fair Junior title Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Her sister was second runner-up in the senior pageant. (Photo courtesy NaRicka Gray.)

Jayden is the daughter of Tim and NaRicka Gray and is a student at Oneida High School. Jaeda is the daughter of Eric and Marki Newport and is a 2026 graduate of Scott High School.

The evening pageant, the highlight of the fair’s beauty contests, was swept by Scott County contestants. While Jaeda Newport was crowned the winner, the first runner-up was RaeLynne Blevins of Oneida and the second runner-up was ShayLeigh Gray of Helenwood.

RaeLynne is the daughter of Dave and Becky Blevins. ShayLeigh is a sister to Jayden Gray, and the daughter of Tim and NaRicka Gray.

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Scott’s comeback at A-E comes up just short

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | Time ran out in East Knoxville Friday night with Scott High stranded on the 45-yard-line.

More accurately, Scott’s last-second, desperation heave was picked off by the Roadrunners, helping them preserve a 31-28 victory over the Highlanders in a comeback that came up just short.

Scott (2-1, 0-1) had been down 24-7 late in the third quarter before beginning the comeback bid. The Highlanders put two scores on the board late to make the game close but were haunted by a few individual moments throughout the game.

There was a fumble near the end of the first half, when the Highlanders were simply trying to get to the locker room with a 12-7 deficit. Instead, Austin-East (2-1, 1-0) recovered at the two-yard-line and tacked on a garbage score just before the end of the half to go up 18-7.

Then, after the Roadrunners had swiftly added another score to start the third quarter, the Highlanders had a drive stall inside the red zone. Down 24-7, Scott chose to attempt a fourth-and-six conversion rather than settle for three points, which turned out to be the difference on the scoreboard at the end of the game.

Penalties also continued to hurt Scott High. The Highlanders were penalized seven times for 46 yards — a season low — but there were some costly ones. Scott’s first drive appeared promising before a holding penalty killed the possession and Austin-East marched 92 yards for the game’s first score.

Scott finished with 361 yards of offense — almost identical to the 366 put up by Austin-East. But stopping the Roadrunners proved to be difficult. A-E quarterback Landon Lightfoot completed 14 of 25 passes for 213 yards, a season-high given up by the Highlander defense.

Lightfoot started the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and later threw for two more scores.

Jesse Jeffers had a monster game for Scott High. The junior finished with 200 yards of total offense, most of it on the ground, and was also a leading tackler on defense. He was named the IH Sports Network’s First National Bank Player of the Game.

After Lightfoot’s score in the first quarter, Scott answered with an impressive drive that was capped by an eight-yard Carter Slaven touchdown run, and the Highlanders led 7-6.

Austin-East regained the lead on the ensuing possession, with Jocorious Towns scoring on a 30-yard run for a 12-7 lead.

That was the way it appeared things would stand at halftime, but a fumble deep inside the 10-yard-line late in the half flipped the script. Austin-East pounced on the fumble at the two, setting up an easy touchdown plunge by Keyvon Booker just before the intermission to put his team up 18-7.

The third quarter started with A-E taking possession and swiftly tacking on another score. Lightfoot connected with Dikyeis Towns for a 19-yard strike, and the Roadrunners led 24-7.

The Highlanders’ ensuing drive stalled inside the 10-yard-line, when A-E made a fourth down stop just short of the sticks. But the Highlander defense came up with a stop, and then the comeback effort began in earnest.

After Slaven scored on a three-yard run to make it 24-14, A-E tacked on another score on a 30-yard Lightfoot pass to Travis Burgins. But Scott struck back with a one-yard run by Slaven, then Jeffers broke free for an 18-yard run to make it 31-28.

The Highlander defense got one more stop to give the offense an opportunity to win the game. But with no timeouts remaining, Scott was powerless to stop the clock and the final possession became more of a desperation effort, which ended with a deep pass being intercepted by A-E.

The loss was Scott High’s first of the season, but was an important loss became it marked the opening of region play. The Highlanders will now host McMinn Central on Sept. 18 in what is an almost must-win game for Scott’s playoff hopes.

CAK is powerful in 49-0 win over Oneida

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | It was apparent that Oneida was up against a stiff challenge with Friday’s trip to West Knoxville to face Division II foe CAK. But if there was any hope that the Warriors might overlook the Indians, that was quickly extinguished by a CAK squad that looked primed to make a serious run at a state championship in December.

CAK (3-1) scored on every single possession, rolled up more than 400 yards of offense, and led 42-0 by halftime, before a running clock shortened the second half. The Warriors’ defense was just as dominant as their offense, limiting Oneida to only 33 yards of offense and four first downs.

Oneida (2-2) continued to play without injured starting quarterback Connor Mays, who missed a second consecutive game, and had a difficult time generating offense against CAK.

There were positives for the Indians: Oneida did not turn the ball over, and was penalized just twice.

Beyond that, bright spots were hard to find. CAK scored twice in the first quarter, added four more scores in the second quarter, and had put the game away well before the halftime break.

Isaac Kannah scored on a 19-yard run to give the Warriors their first score just 70 seconds into the game.

On the next possession, Seaton Moffett completed a 29-yard pass to Baker Sterchi for a score, and it was a 14-0 game after the first quarter.

The second quarter saw CAK score on two more Moffett touchdown passes, both to Hunter Bennett, before a pair of touchdown runs — one by Kannah covering 41 yards and one by Masyn Apaletegui covering four yards.

The second half saw CAK possess the ball just twice, scoring on a 21-yard run by Easton Sternberg on the first possession. The clock ran out on the Warriors’ second possession of the second half.

Friday’s game was Oneida’s final non-region tune-up. The Indians will host Tellico Plains on Sept. 18.

Words of Wisdom

Each week, Preacher Johnny Polk and the Oneida Church of Christ present Words of Wisdom, short devotionals that are archived on our website. Here is the current Words of Wisdom. (Sponsored content.)

The Week Ahead

☀️ Weather: The heat returns in earnest this week. After a high of 86 degrees today, we’re expecting temperatures in the low 90s Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with no more rain in sight. Temperatures should cool down ever so slightly heading into the weekend. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page — published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot — or always available at independentherald.net.

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📅 Community Calendar

Monday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center (Monticello Pike, Huntsville) offers a walking program, puzzles and games, and massage chairs every week day (Monday-Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Additionally, Golden Grooves Exercise will be offered today at 1 p.m.

Monday: Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services’ Mobile Health Clinic will be in the Walmart parking lot in Oneida from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering integrated primary care and behavioral health. No insurance is not a problem. Call (866) 599-0466 for more information.

Monday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out. Phone: (423) 569-5972.

Monday: The Scott County Finance Committee will meet at the Scott County Mayor’s Office in Huntsville, beginning at 5 p.m.

Monday: The Winfield Board of Mayor & Aldermen will meet at the Winfield Municipal Building, beginning at 6 p.m.

Tuesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Tuesday: Pinnacle Resource Center’s food pantry (1513 Jeffers Road, Huntsville) will be open beginning at 9:15 a.m. There are no income guidelines; however, a photo ID and a piece of mail with a Scott County address are required.

Tuesday: Robbins Elementary School Food Pantry will be open September 15 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Barton Chapel (5760 Scott Highway, Robbins). Turn onto School House Road at Keeton Monuments and follow it to the entrance of Barton Chapel (do not try to enter Barton Chapel from U.S. 27 please). Parents, grandparents, guardians or caregivers of a child attending Robbins Elementary School or Head Start are eligible to receive food.

Tuesday: Boy Scout Troop #333 will meet at the Oneida War Memorial Building on Alberta Street in Oneida beginning at 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Wall Builders will meet from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church (1611 Glass House Road, Helenwood) for those struggling with addiction or striving to keep off drugs. There will be preaching, teaching, food, fellowship and personal counseling.

Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Wednesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out.

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida) at 12 p.m.

Wednesday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will host Senior Meal Connect.

Thursday: The Gerry McDonald Mission House, located on Church Avenue, directly behind First United Methodist Church, is open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. You are eligible to receive food once per month. 423-569-8828.

Thursday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Thursday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will offer Chair Volleyball at 11 a.m. and Senior Trivia at 1 p.m. today.

Thursday: The Town of Oneida Board of Mayor & Aldermen will meet at the Oneida Municipal Services Building, beginning at 6 p.m.

Thursday: The Town of Huntsville Board of Mayor & Aldermen will meet at the Huntsville Municipal Building, beginning at 6 p.m.

The Community Calendar is presented weekly by Citizens Gas Utility District. Before you dig, Call 811! It’s the law! You can help prevent pipeline damage and leaks by calling 811 before doing any excavating or demolition and submitting a utility locate request. Visit citizensgastn.com.

Thank you for reading. Our next newsletter will be Echoes From the Past tomorrow. If you’d like to update your subscription to add or subtract any of our newsletters, do so here. If you haven’t yet subscribed, it’s as simple as adding your email address!

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New County Commission appointments unveiled

Ben Garrett — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:30:36 GMT

New County Commission appointments unveiled

HUNTSVILLE | Committee assignments for the new term of Scott County Commission were unveiled when commissioners met here Tuesday night for an organizational session.

Tuesday’s meeting was the first for five new commissioners — Allen “Ladd” Phillips in the 1st District, Mike Keeton and Dacy Williams in the 3rd District, Zach Strunk in the 5th District, and Jason Perry in the 6th District. It was also the first meeting for County Mayor Dennis Jeffers as chairman of the commission.

As mayor, Jeffers is responsible for appointing committees, which are then approved by the commissioners themselves. Fourth District Commissioner Kenny Chadwell will continue to chair the Finance Committee and the Budget Committee, while 4th District Commissioner Shonda Gray will continue to chair the Emergency Services Committee and 5th District Commissioner Kelly Posey-Chitwood will continue to chair the Community Development Committee.

The Buildings & Grounds Committee will now be chaired by 6th District Commissioner Colby Burke. It was previously chaired by Robyn McBroom, who did not seek re-election in the 5th District. And the Intergovernmental Committee is now chaired by 7th District Commissioner Jared Burke.

Second District Commissioner Taylor Buttram Stephens is now chairing the Parks & Recreation Committee, while newly-elected 3rd District Commissioner Mike Keeton will chair the Beer Board and Posey-Chitwood will chair the Ethics Committee.

Joining Posey-Chitwood on the Ethics Committee are Joyce Keeton from the 2nd District, Perry from the 6th District, and Mike Keeton from the 3rd District. Rena Erwin, Scott County Trustee, will also sit on the committee.

Joining Mike Keeton on the Beer Board will be Strunk and Perry.

Joining Stephens on the Parks & Recreation Committee are 1st District Commissioner David “Blue” Day and 7th District Commissioner Tom Payne, along with Perry and Williams. Community-at-large members of the committee will include Nick Botts and Diane Smith.

The Finance Committee includes Mayor Jeffers, Road Superintendent Kelvin King, and Scott County Director of Schools Marc Taylor by default. Joining Chadwell on the committee from County Commission are Jared Burke, Posey-Chitwood, and Payne.

Joining Chadwell on the Budget Committee are Mike Keeton, Payne, Colby Burke, Jared Burke, and Gray.

Joining Colby Burke on the Building & Grounds Committee are Day, Gray, Stephens, Joyce Keeton, Phillips, and Mike Keeton.

Joining Posey-Chitwood on the Community Development Committee are Strunk, Gray, Mike Keeton, Joyce Keeton, Phillips, and Perry.

Joining Gray on the Emergency Services Committee are Stephens, Day, Perry, Strunk, Colby Burke, and Williams.

Joining Jared Burke on the Intergovernmental Committee are Joyce Keeton, Phillips, Chadwell, Posey-Chitwood, Colby Burke, and Williams.

County Commission meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 5 p.m., with committee meetings held on the 1st Monday at 5 p.m. The Finance Committee meets on the 2nd Monday at 5 p.m. The Beer Board and Ethics Committee meet only when they have business to consider. All meetings take place at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville.

Huntsville Post-Acute & Rehabilitation Center offers short-term or long-term care … on your terms. Learn more. (Sponsored content.)

Rain chances grow for parched region

It has been an exceptionally dry end to summer, but some rain may be in store for the region over the next couple of days.

The National Weather Service has a 50% chance of thunderstorms in the forecast for Friday, followed by a 90% chance of rain on Saturday. Meteorologists say that a cold front that was once expected to create rain chances today and tomorrow will stay north of the region. However, a piece of shortwave energy is expected to fuel better rain chances going into the weekend.

Significant rainfall is not expected, which means the very dry start to fall will continue. Scott County has recorded less than a quarter of an inch of rain since Aug. 19. That has pushed streamflows to very low levels, with the Clear Fork River flowing at less than six cubic feet per second as of Thursday. Less than 25 percent of the time do streams flow at their current levels in early to mid September.

After a brief and weak reprieve from the heat, temperatures near 90 degrees are expected again next week. A pattern change, with milder temperatures, is expected around Sept. 20.

ICYMI

Threads of Life: This week’s Threads of Life newsletter is in remembrance of Buddy Blevins, Brad Chambers, Bibi Drinnon, James Patterson, Hurstle Terry, and Kay White. » Read It

Echoes in Time: This week’s Echoes in Time newsletter takes a look at the Black Oak community along Leatherwood Road west of Oneida. » Read It

The Weekend

⛈️ Weather: Rain is likely to start the weekend, with rain a near certainty on Saturday. However, coverage is expected to be isolated to scattered on Friday, and spotty on Saturday. Temperatures will be in the mid 80s. Drier weather returns for Sunday. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page— published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot.

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⛪︎ Featured Church

Norma Missionary Baptist Church

Denomination: Baptist (Missionary)
Pastor: James C. Pennington Sr.
Address: 127 Norma Church Road, Huntsville

Services
Sunday Morning: 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening: 6 p.m.
1st Saturday: 6 p.m.

» See the complete Church Directory, and thank you to our sponsors of the Church Directory.

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📅 Community Calendar

• Friday: High school football finds both teams on the road, with Oneida playing at CAK (7 p.m.) and Scott High at Austin-East (7 p.m.). Both games will be broadcast live on the IH Sports Network, with the Sevenly Construction Pre-Game Report beginning at 6 p.m.

• Saturday: The Scott County Farmers & Crafters Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 600 Scott High Drive in Huntsville (rain or shine).

• Saturday: The U.S.S. Tennessee Battleship Memorial Museum will be open on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The focus area is occupation. Admission is free. The museum is located on the campus of Scott High School.

• Saturday: Second Saturday night service will be held at Jake’s Branch United Baptist Church at 6 p.m. For more information, see our Church Directory at indherald.com.

• Saturday: Narcotics Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Scenic Sale!

This week’s sale items at Scenic Foods in Huntsville! The sale continues through Tuesday. Sponsored content.

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Scott moves to 2-0 with win over Monterey

Ben Garrett — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:07:39 GMT

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Sawyer Barnes makes a catch during Scott High’s 33-14 win over Monterey on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. LeEtta Boyatt/IH.

Scott High makes defensive adjustments, defeats Monterey

HUNTSVILLE | It was close for most of a half, as Monterey used a size advantage on the offensive line and mashed on Scott High with its run game.

But then came the second half, some defensive adjustments by the Highlanders, and a comfortable, 33-14 win over the Wildcats.

Scott High (2-0), stumbled at times offensively in its home opener, but used a big night on special teams — and another big night by explosive junior Carter Slaven — to pull away from Monterey (1-2).

Missing a key component of their offensive attack, the Wildcats leaned on Donald Musell. He was up to the challenge, rushing for 113 yards on 31 carries. Hank Shepard added 52 yards on 10 carries.

But after 130 yards in the first half — which seemed like even more, because Monterey was able to run almost at will against the Highlander defense on back-to-back possessions once it shifted to a heavy front — the Wildcats could do almost nothing in the second half.

Scott High shifted to a heavier defensive front and limited Monterey to just 56 yards of offense in the second half, and the Wildcats did not sniff the end zone.

“They’re very well coached,” Scott High coach Billy Hall said of Monterey. “They’re very good in the box and that’s what they do. Coach (Eric) Privett handled it very well. He came to me and said, ‘This is what I’ve got, and I said, ‘Absolutely, roll with it.’ I’ll be honest, I really didn’t even need to know what it was.”

As a result of the defensive adjustments, Scott High was able to pull off a comfortable win despite not generating any offensive scores of its own in the third or fourth quarters. The only score in the second half was a 57-yard Slaven punt return — his second of the game — early in the fourth quarter.

The Highlanders got the scoring started after a Monterey punt that was partially blocked to open the game. Gage Privett connected to Sawyer Barnes from six yards out to give Scott the early lead. Privett finished 12 of 18 for 157 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Monterey’s second possession resulted in another blocked punt, which was scooped up by Slaven at the 21-yard-line and returned for a touchdown, giving the Highlanders a 13-0 lead.

Unable to move the ball through its first two possessions, Monterey began to find some sizeable gaps to run through, and was able to put a pair of touchdowns on the board. The first was a one-yard run by Musell early in the second quarter.

Scott answered, though, as Slaven scored on an eight-yard run.

That was followed by a one-yard touchdown plunge by Ethan Phillips, as Monterey continued to hang around.

Again, the Highlanders had an answer. This time, Privett and Slaven hooked up for a 28-yard strike, making it 26-14 at the half.

Neither offense could get much going in the second half, but Slaven scooped up a punt off a bounce and returned it 57 yards for a score with 8:45 remaining. He is believed to be the first player in school history to return two punts for scores in a single game. He now has eight touchdowns in just two games this season.

Scott High finished with 222 yards of offense. Jesse Jeffers led the rushing attack with 59 yards on eight carries. Slaven was the top receiver, with four catches for 71 yards.

Hall said after the game that his team is still making mistakes, but they’re correctable.

“We just need to execute a little bit better on both sides of the football,” he said. “We’ve hurt ourselves a lot, but it’s things we can clean up. We’ve made some mental mistakes, but everything is fixable. And, nevertheless, we’re 2-0.”

One big issue for the Highlanders has been penalties. Through two games, Scott is averaging well over 100 yards per game in penalties.

“You’ve gotta be in the moment,” Hall said. “When the whistle blows, you can’t do something extra. You just have to be smart and know what’s going on. We just have to be aware of what’s going on.”

Three players left the game with injuries for Scott High, though the extent of them was not immediately clear. Kennix Parton and Devin Prewitt suffered ankle injuries, and Elijah Wilson left with a knee injury.

Need a good rate on your auto insurance? Contact your local State Farm agent, Roger Baldwin. (Sponsored content.)

Waylon Hill carries the ball during Oneida’s game at Bledsoe County on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. Sarah Dunlap/IH.

Bledsoe County uses timely defensive stops to best Oneida

PIKEVILLE, Tenn. | The stat sheet suggested a much closer game than the scoreboard indicated.

The scoreboard said that Bledsoe County (2-1) defeated Oneida (2-1) by a 35-13 count on a muggy Friday evening.

The stat sheet, meanwhile, showed that Oneida rolled up 300 yards of offense on 43 snaps — identical to Bledsoe County’s 300 yards on 41 snaps.

The Indians rushed for 180 yards and, despite playing without injured junior quarterback Connor Mays, completed eight of 10 passes for 120 yards.

Time of possession and penalties were even between the two teams, as well, and neither the Indians nor the Warriors had a turnover.

So where did the difference come from? Bledsoe County did not have to punt the football, turning five possessions into five touchdowns, while its defense made stops at opportune times to force Oneida into a pair of punts and also a failed fourth down try.

That allowed the Warriors to build a 21-0 lead at the half and extend it to 35-7 before Oneida scored a touchdown in the game’s waning seconds.

Bledsoe County, always tough, scored on touchdown runs of seven yards, four yards, and two yards to build the 21-0 lead, underscoring its grind-it-out approach that was typical of Bledsoe County teams the Indians have faced in years past.

Oneida was able to edge back into the game with a 12-play, 80-yard drive to start the third quarter, which ended with a 17-yard touchdown run by Waylon Hill.

But Bledsoe answered with back-to-back touchdowns by Noah Shrum to put the game out of reach.

Shrum finished with 66 yards on six carries, including three touchdowns. Bledsoe quarterback Luke Morris completed all four of his passes for 79 yards.

Gage Duncan led Oneida’s ground attack with 89 yards on 16 carries.

In Mays’ absence, senior Cannon McDowell completed five of seven passes for 77 yards, including a 51-yard connection with Kannon Gazay. Waylon Hill completed three of three passes for 43 yards, and added 59 rushing yards on eight carries.

Hill added 10 tackles on defense, and was named the IH Sports Network’s First National Bank Player of the Game.

Sophomore Tate Shepard led the Oneida defense, with 11 stops.

Bledsoe County took the game’s opening possession after a big kickoff return to midfield. Despite digging a deep hole with back-to-back penalties, the Warriors converted a third-and-15 play and eventually scored on a seven-yard run by Cade Swafford.

Oneida’s first possession started with a McDowell-to-Drayton Wade pass for a first down, but stalled immediately after that. Bledsoe was impressive in its response, reeling off four first downs in five plays to get deep into the Indian red zone. Oneida stiffened its back inside the 10-yard-line, but Bledsoe County was able to convert a fourth down play, then score on a short run by Marcos Ramirez to build a 14-0 lead.

Oneida got into Bledsoe County territory on its next possession, but found itself behind the sticks after a third down penalty, and was forced to punt.

Bledsoe’s third and final possession of the first half led to another Warrior touchdown, as they covered 64 yards in nine plays, scoring on a two-yard run by Shrum with less than a minute remaining in the half.

Oneida nearly got into the end zone to end the first half, when McDowell and Gazay connected on the 51-yard pass play to the goal line. But Bledsoe’s defense came up with a big stop, as Shrum made the tackle at the two-yard-line to keep the Indians off the board.

That stop loomed even larger when Oneida started the second half by marching 80 yards in 12 plays to score on a 17-yard run by Hill.

But even if the first half had ended with a score, Bledsoe County’s offense was too dominant against an always-stout Oneida defense. The Warriors responded to the Indians’ score by swiftly marching 73 yards in six plays. On third down, Shrum broke free for a 38-yard touchdown run, making any comeback by Oneida seem impossible.

With the game growing late and the three-touchdown deficit on the board, Oneida was forced to attempt to convert a fourth-and-one play at its own 27-yard-line on the ensuing possession. Bledsoe County got a stop at the line of scrimmage, and quickly tacked on an insurance score for a 35-7 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Oneida took possession with 7:58 left on the clock and put together a 14-play, 80-yard drive that ended on a two-yard touchdown run by Gage Duncan with 11 seconds remaining.

The road won’t get any easier for Oneida in the short-term, as the Indians get set for a Friday night trip to CAK, one of the state’s top-ranked private schools. That will be Oneida’s final tune-up before beginning region play.

Words of Wisdom

☀️ Weather: We’ll be hot and dry today, but it’ll feel nice compared to what we’ve seen the past week or so. We’ll top out around 86 degrees with mostly sunny skies. It’ll be another dry week overall, though we will see a chance of rain Thursday and Thursday night. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page — published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot — or always available at indherald.com.

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📅 Community Calendar

Tuesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Tuesday: Scott County Commission will meet in an organizational session at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville, beginning at 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Boy Scout Troop #333 will meet at the Oneida War Memorial Building on Alberta Street in Oneida beginning at 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Wednesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out.

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at the Highway 27 Unity Club in Oneida at 12 p.m.

Wednesday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will host Golden Grooves Exercise at 1 p.m.

Thursday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Thursday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will offer a trip at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday: The Scott County Board of Education will meet in regular session at the Central Office in Huntsville, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Community Calendar is presented weekly by Citizens Gas Utility District. Citizens Gas Utility District pipelines are generally safe. They can be damaged by things such as excavation, natural forces, and automobile accidents. These can potentially cause a leak.Visit citizensgastn.com.

◼️ About the IH • IH Sports Network • The Encyclopedia of Scott County
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Scott County sees its hottest day in 14 years

Ben Garrett — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:52:51 GMT

Photo by Luis Graterol on Unsplash

Sizzlin’ September: Scott County experiences hottest day in 14 years

The National Weather Service recorded Scott County’s hottest temperature in 14 years on Wednesday, as the official high in Oneida was listed at 97 degrees. The last time Scott County saw a temperature reading that high was in July 2012, when the temperature hit 98 degrees.

Wednesday’s temperature reading comes amid a September heat wave that is already ranking as one of the worst to ever strike Tennessee during the first month of the meteorological autumn. Temperatures have been 90 degrees or warmer in Scott County for six consecutive days as of Thursday, with at least two more 90-degree days expected Friday and Saturday before a slight reprieve from the heat Sunday and Monday.

A Heat Advisory is in effect through 8 p.m. Friday, and Scott High School has pushed back the start time of its football home opener against Monterey to 8 p.m. in anticipation of the excessive heat.

Meanwhile, the slight relief from the 90-degree temperatures that is expected this weekend will be short-lived, with forecasts calling for the heat to return in force next week and continue through at least Sept. 16.

Huntsville Post-Acute & Rehabilitation Center offers short-term or long-term care … on your terms. Learn more. (Sponsored content.)

Scott County recognizes Preparedness Month

HUNTSVILLE | Scott County Emergency Management Agency is recognizing September 2026 as Preparedness Month and encouraging residents to take small, practical steps now to be better prepared for emergencies before they happen.

Preparedness Month is a statewide and national opportunity to help families, businesses, schools, and communities build confidence before disaster strikes. Emergencies can happen anywhere in Tennessee, including severe weather, flooding, tornadoes, extended power outages, and other hazards that may impact homes, roads, utilities, and daily life.

“Preparedness starts with taking a few simple steps before an emergency happens. By having a plan and being ready to care for yourself and your family, you can make a difficult situation a little easier to manage,” said Daniel Crowley, Director of the Scott County Emergency Management Agency. “Preparedness does not have to be complicated. Simple steps like making a family emergency plan, signing up for local alerts, checking emergency supplies, and knowing where to go for trusted information can make a real difference.”

This year’s statewide campaign, “Be a Preparedness Hero,” focuses on helping Tennesseans take simple preparedness actions throughout the month. Scott County residents are encouraged to participate by taking one preparedness step each week, such as:

 Making or reviewing a family emergency plan
 Building or updating an emergency kit
 Identifying a safe place for severe weather
 Preparing for power outages
 Signing up for local emergency alerts
 Checking on neighbors, older adults, or others who may need additional support during an emergency.

Scott County Emergency Management Agency is also encouraging residents to know where to find verified local information before, during, and after an emergency. Residents can follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ScottCountyOfficeOfEmergencyManagement/, sign up for the Scott County Government TN in the app or google play store, and visit www.scottcounty.com for preparedness information and local updates.

Preparedness resources, planning guides, and campaign updates are also available through the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority at tn.gov/tema/prepare.

About Scott County Emergency Management Agency:
The Scott County Emergency Management Agency coordinates emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts throughout Scott County, Tennessee. The agency works with local, state, federal, nonprofit, private sector, and community partners to protect lives and property and reduce the impact of disasters. Through these partnerships, Scott County EMA works to strengthen the county’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural, technological, and man-made disasters.

Great Dane unveils new flatbed trailer at Huntsville plant

HUNTSVILLE | Great Dane’s Scott County manufacturing facility is the site of the company’s newest flatbed model, the Freedom Ultra.

Announced Tuesday, the Freedom Ultra boasts increased strength, higher payload capacity, and enhanced durability, and Great Dane says it offers features that no other flatbed has available.

“Every trailer we build reflects the dedication and skill of the Huntsville team,” said Brad Karl, Great Dane Huntsville plant manager. “Freedom Ultra is an exceptional trailer offering the quality customers expect from Great Dane, along with features that offer industry-leading safety and efficiency. I’m proud to work alongside the team bringing it to life.”

Freedom Ultra is an all-aluminum flatbed that helps fleets haul heavier loads while benefiting from the long-term value aluminum trailers are known for.

A few of the team’s welders say Freedom Ultra stands out not only for what it can do on the road, but also for the thoughtful way it comes together on the production floor.

John Kirby pointed to the trailer’s strength, saying he likes that it is a “fully welded trailer.” Greg Hatfield noted the cleaner, more streamlined build, adding that he appreciates that there are “minimal bolts and no hucks.”

Erick Griffin said the look and feel of the finished product reflect the people behind it. “We have a great team, and the overall design is aesthetically pleasing.”

The company added: “The work happening at Great Dane Huntsville is more than a product launch, it’s a reflection of the local talent, teamwork, and craftsmanship found right here in the community. As Freedom Ultra delivers products people need each day, the Huntsville team can take pride knowing their work helps communities thrive.”

ICYMI

Threads of Life: This week’s Threads of Life newsletter is in remembrance of Susan Slaven, Terri Doran, Ricky Gibson, John Judy, Joan Terry, and Lloyd Williams. » Read It

Echoes in Time: Remembering Dr. Lafayette Sproule, Scott County’s “forgotten” superintendent of schools. » Read It

The Weekend

🌥️ Weather: Very hot weather will continue into the weekend. A Heat Advisory is in effect through 8 p.m. Friday, . Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page— published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot.

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⛪︎ Featured Church

Denomination: Baptist (Missionary)
Pastor: Charles Lowe
Address: 8939 Baker Highway, Huntsville

Services
Sunday Morning: 10 a.m.
Sunday Evening: 6:30 p.m.

» See the complete Church Directory, and thank you to our sponsors of the Church Directory.

—

📅 Community Calendar

• Friday: The Big South Fork Swimming Pool at Bandy Creek will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 ($2 for children).

• Friday: In high school football, Oneida will travel to Bledsoe County (7 p.m.) and Scott High will host Monterey (8 p.m.). The games will be broadcast live on the IH Sports Network, beginning at 7 p.m.

• Saturday: The Town of Oneida’s Labor Day celebration will be held at Oneida City Park Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be live music, vendors, kids’ activities, and more.

Scenic Sale!

This week’s sale items at Scenic Foods in Huntsville! The sale continues through Tuesday. Sponsored content.

◼️ About the IH • IH Sports Network • The Encyclopedia of Scott County
◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Manage Your Account
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New county officials take office Tuesday

Ben Garrett — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:31:25 GMT

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New county officials take office Monday

HUNTSVILLE | Scott County’s newly-elected officials will take office on Tuesday — and re-elected officials will begin their new terms.

The incoming officials were sworn in Friday evening by Scott County General Sessions Judge Scarlet Ellis during a ceremony at the Scott County Justice Center.

Dennis Jeffers will assume the county’s highest elected office, county mayor. The only other new county official is Amanda Chambers Sexton, who will assume her duties as county court clerk. Stepping away from those positions will be Jerried Jeffers and Felicia Bilbrey.

Beginning new terms Tuesday will be Sheriff Brian Keeton, Road Superintendent Kelvin King, County Attorney John Beaty, Circuit Court Clerk Donnie Phillips, Register of Deeds Ashley Newport Riseden, and Trustee Rena Erwin.

Beaty is the longest-tenured county official, and will begin his eighth term on Tuesday. He’s followed, in terms of longevity, by Phillips, who is beginning his sixth term. King and Riseden are beginning their third terms, while Keeton and Erwin are beginning their second terms.

The only county official who was not up for re-election this year was Assessor of Property Tiffany Jeffers, who will next be on the ballot in August 2028.

There were also five new commissioners and two new school board members elected earlier this month. In the 1st District, Allen “Ladd” Phillips was elected to County Commission and Rhonda Marlow Davis was elected to school board. In the 3rd District, Mike Keeton and Dacy Williams were elected to County Commission. In the 5th District, Zach Strunk was elected to County Commission. In the 6th District, Jason Perry was elected to County Commission. In the Oneida Special School District, Stuart Jones was elected to school board.

The five new commissioners will meet for the first time on Tuesday, Sept. 8, when County Commission meets in work session. The monthly workshop is typically the first Monday of each month, but that is Labor Day, a county holiday.

Sept. 8 will also be the first meeting for Jeffers in his role as county mayor. Although not a constitutional requirement, the county mayor has the option to serve as the commission’s chairman — and traditionally does. One of Jeffers’ first duties as mayor will be recommending members of County Commission’s standing committees, which include the Budget Committee, Finance Committee, Intergovernmental Committee, Building & Grounds Committee, Emergency Services Committee, Community Development Committee, and Ethics Committee.

Need a good rate on your auto insurance? Contact your local State Farm agent, Roger Baldwin. (Sponsored content.)

Some of summer’s hottest temps on tap for this week

Tuesday is the start of meteorological fall, but it isn’t going to feel much like autumn across Tennessee next week.

Some of summer’s hottest temperatures appear to be on the way, thanks to an upper level ridge of high pressure that will be parked over the Southeast. The current forecast is for temperatures around 90 degrees each day from Monday through Friday, along with high humidity levels that will drive the heat index to 100 degrees or higher at times.

The same upper level ridge that will deliver the hot temperatures will also keep the region dry, despite the relatively moist air that will be in place. There are slight chances of thunderstorms late in the week, but most of the region will be dry all week.

While the autumn season doesn’t officially begin until the fall equinox on Sept. 22 — the point when daylight and darkness are equal lengths — meteorologists refer to Sept. 1 as the start of autumn. The calendar determines seasons by the equinoxes and solstices, while meteorology keeps things simpler by timing the seasons with the changing of the months, with fall starting Sept. 1, winter starting Dec. 1, spring starting March 1, and summer starting June 1.

Temperatures of 90 degrees or greater aren’t uncommon in September, but they occur less often in September than in July and August. Since National Weather Service records-keeping began in Oneida in the 1950s, the average date of the last 90-degree day of summer is Aug. 27. Temperatures on the Cumberland Plateau peak, on average, in mid-July and slowly decline after that. The decline becomes much more pronounced in mid-September.

Last year, Oneida did not record any 90-degree days in September. There were two in September 2024.

Since 2020, Oneida has had a total of just three days with 90-degree temperatures in the month of September. However, the current pattern — which is being influenced by one of the strongest El Ninos in history — is similar to the one that delivered an extended summer in 2019. That year, the temperature reached at least 90 degrees eight out of nine days between Sept. 10 and Sept. 18, including Oneida’s all-time record for the month of September, 95 degrees, on Sept. 11. That month ended with temperatures more than eight degrees hotter than average.

Summer 2026 has been hot, but not exceptionally so. The month of August will end with temperatures running nearly two degrees above the historic average in Oneida. The same was true for July.

This summer has featured 13 days with 90-degree temperatures so far, which lags behind the 22 days with 90-degree temperatures seen in 2025.

The pattern has also turned exceptionally dry. After the region began the summer season in a drought, excessive rainfall erased the drought status but wet weather has since given way to a return to the abnormally dry conditions that greeted the start of summer. For the year, Scott County is running a rainfall deficit greater than eight inches, receiving about 20 percent less rainfall than it typically would during the months of January through August.

Although streamflows and reservoir levels aren’t low enough for a drought to be declared, decreasing soil moisture levels could impact the fall foliage season, which is about seven weeks from its peak. Fall colors are at their best when the summer is wet, followed by a dry autumn. However, drought or prolonged dry spells that decrease soil moisture can blunt the annual colors.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasted above-average rainfall for the Mid-South region during the month of September. However, that forecast appears to be on its way to being proven inaccurate.

For those looking to beat the heat, the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area’s swimming pool at Bandy Creek Campground will be open Friday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 7, then close for the season. Admission is $3 for adults or $2 for children. After a summer season that featured mostly above-average streamflows, the recent lack of rainfall has dropped river levels to perfect levels for swimming or wading. Water temperatures are in the low 80s and will slowly rise over the next several days.

Yager speaks out against nuclear storage in Scott County

NASHVILLE, Tenn. | State Rep. Kelly Keisling is asking Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to oppose the long-term storage of nuclear waste in the Cumberland Plateau counties he represents, including Scott County.

Keisling, a Byrdstown Republican who represents the 38th District in the state legislature, released a letter he wrote to Lee on Monday, stating his opposition to a long-term nuclear waste repository in Scott, Fentress and Pickett counties, which were identified — along with Morgan County — by the state as a potential location for nuclear storage as part of a recycling program that is attached to Tennessee’s proposal to be named a Nuclear Lifestyle Innovation Campus.

Tennessee is a finalist for the federal initiative, which the Lee administration says could bring billions of dollars in investment, along with thousands of jobs and expanded nuclear research to Oak Ridge.

However, while Oak Ridge would be the location of the bulk of the new jobs and the investment, it was learned on July 28 — when the U.S. Dept. of Energy announced that Tennessee is one of five finalists for the project — that the northern Cumberland Plateau region has been identified as a potential location for storing the nation’s nuclear waste as part of the recycling process.

While the Lee administration has not identified specific areas within Scott, Fentress, Morgan and Pickett counties that it is eyeing for a potential nuclear repository, the region was selected for its close proximity to Oak Ridge, its geology, and its sparse population.

In his letter to the governor, Keisling expressed “strong opposition” to long-term underground storage of nuclear waste.

“These communities should not be viewed simply as suitable locations on a map because of their geology, available land, or proximity to existing nuclear infrastructure,” Keisling said. “They are home to families, farms, businesses, communities, natural resources, as well as a way of life that deserves to be protected. Locating a long-term nuclear waste repository in these communities would carry consequences and stewardship responsibilities extending generations beyond any immediate economic benefit.”

Locating a nuclear repository in Scott County or one of its neighboring counties would not be as simple as the state declaring it so. It’s unclear how much land would be needed for such a repository, but the land would have to already be owned by a state or federal agency, or be acquired by a state or federal agency. Absent a willing seller, the property would have to be acquired by the state through the eminent domain process, which would face stiff legal challenges.

According to The Breakthrough Institute, a global research center that promotes technological solutions to environmental challenges, there are currently 95,000 metric tons of spent fuel rods across the nation — a number that increases by 2,000 tons per year. However, that isn’t as much as it might seen, since uranium is extremely heavy, with a density that is 1.5 times greater than lead. The Breakthrough Institute says that if the entirety of the nation’s spent nuclear fuel rods were stacked on a football field, it would “pile up to a depth of fewer than 10 yards.”

Nevertheless, residents across the Cumberland Plateau region have expressed significant opposition to the possibility of a storage repository here. Scott County Mayor Jerried Jeffers told the Independent Herald earlier this month that he informed a state coalition that the local community will always be opposed to the storage of nuclear waste.

Helping to fuel the local mistrust is years of rumors — some of them substantiated — that nuclear waste from Oak Ridge is being discarded in Scott County. In the Independent Herald‘s first edition, published in June 1976, it was reported that nearly 700 tons of nuclear waste had been discovered improperly stored in a two-acre pond near what is now Tennier Industries in Huntsville. (Tennier Industries was not responsible for the storage; rather, it was sludge that was linked to a nuclear chemical company that had formerly owned the property.) The Industrial Development Board of Scott County applied for and received federal grant funding to clean up the site.

State Sen. Ken Yager, R-Kingston, who has helped lead the Lee administration’s application for the Nuclear Lifestyle Innovation Campus, told the Independent Herald earlier this month that Scott County is not being considered for the permanent storage of nuclear waste. A nuclear waste repository, he said, would be part of a recycling effort.

“I appreciate the concern in preserving the environment,” Yager said, “but I think some of these statements (regarding permanent storage of nuclear waste) are misleading to the point of not being helpful.

“I do not and will never support the permanent storage of nuclear waste on the Cumberland Plateau,” he added.

However, Keisling made it clear that he is joining the region’s residents in opposition to even temporary storage of nuclear waste, although he said that he “strongly supports” the state’s initiative to continue developing nuclear energy.

“Tennessee has an important role to play in advancing nuclear technology, strengthening our energy independence, creating high-quality jobs, and supporting America’s energy security,” he said. “However, there must be a clear distinction between leading the nation in nuclear innovation and locating a long-term nuclear waste repository in rural communities of the Upper Cumberland. Tennessee can, and should, lead the nation in nuclear innovation without requiring Pickett, Scott or Fentress Counties to bear that long-term responsibility.”

Keisling LetterDownload

Words of Wisdom

☀️ Weather: It’s going to be a hot week. Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s every day, with only the slightest chance of rain on Friday. This may be the first week this summer with wall-to-wall 90-degree days. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page — published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot — or always available at indherald.com.

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📅 Community Calendar

Monday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center (Monticello Pike, Huntsville) offers a walking program, puzzles and games, and massage chairs every week day (Monday-Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Additionally, Bingo will be offered today at 11 a.m. and Golden Grooves Exercise at 1 p.m.

Monday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out. Phone: (423) 569-5972.

Monday: In high school sports, Scott High soccer will host Monterey at 6 p.m.

Tuesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Tuesday: Boy Scout Troop #333 will meet at the Oneida War Memorial Building on Alberta Street in Oneida beginning at 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Tuesday: In high school sports, Oneida soccer will host Morristown-East at 7 p.m. and Scott High soccer will travel to Clinton at 7 p.m.

Wednesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out.

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 12 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club in Oneida.

Wednesday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will host Golden Grooves Exercise at 1 p.m.

Thursday: The Gerry McDonald Mission House, located on Church Avenue, directly behind First United Methodist Church, is open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You are eligible to receive food once per month. 569-8828.

Thursday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Thursday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will host Chair Volleyball at 11 a.m. and Crafts at 1 p.m.

Thursday: The Oneida Special School District Board of Education will meet at the Central Office Training Center, beginning at 6 p.m.

Friday: The Big South Fork Pool at Bandy Creek will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 ($2 for children).

Friday: In high school sports, Oneida soccer will face White House Heritage in Gatlinburg at 4:50 p.m. Oneida football will travel to Bledsoe County at 7:30 p.m. and Scott High football will host Monterey at 7:30 p.m. The football games will be broadcast live on the IH Sports Network.

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Scott, Oneida both pick up Friday night wins

Ben Garrett — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:51:51 GMT

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Jesse Jeffers carries the ball during Scott’s 44-23 win at McCreary Central on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. LeEtta Boyatt/IH.

Offense shines in Scott’s win at McCreary Central

STEARNS, Ky. (08.22.2026) | The first Border Bowl was a defensive slugfest, with Scott High not scoring a touchdown until the fourth quarter of a narrow win over McCreary Central.

The second iteration of the showdown between neighboring states saw the offense rule the day, as the Highlanders rolled up more than 500 yards and put six touchdowns on the board in a 44-23 win over the Raiders.

Senior quarterback Gave Privett, a McCreary County native, completed 14 of 22 passes for 290 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and rolled up 350 yards of total offense as he engineered his team to the season-opening win.

Junior Carter Slaven was spectacular, with 228 yards of offense and four touchdowns.

Slaven rushed for 110 yards and three scores, and also had an 86-yard touchdown catch for a score.

The Highlanders controlled just of the game, though McCreary County was able to make things interesting in the second half by clawing back to make it a single-score game.

Scott High took the game’s first possession and marched the length of the field before settling for a 24-yard Amauren Kidd field goal and a 3-0 lead.

The Highlanders then recovered an onside kick — Kidd made the recovery of his own kickoff — but were forced into a three-and-out by McCreary.

After a Devin Prewitt interception, the Highlanders put their first touchdown of the season on the board, scoring on a dazzling 19-yard run by Slaven.

The second quarter started with a forced punt and a 20-yard touchdown from Privett to Houston Stanley.

Down 17-0, McCreary County answered with a four-yard Nate Losey run. But Scott struck right back, with a 38-yard run by Slaven to make it a 23-6 game at halftime.

The third quarter saw McCreary Central quickly score on a Storm Cordell 15-yard run. Later, after a 55-yard touchdown run by Slaven was taken off the board by a holding penalty, McCreary Central pulled closer with a 28-yard field goal by Logan Strunk to make it 23-16 early in the fourth quarter.

Needing an answer, the Highlanders turned to the playmaker who had come through all night. Privett found Slaven across the middle on a third down play, and Slaven did the rest, racing 86 yards to the end zone.

McCreary County answered quickly to make it a one-score game again, with Knox Wilson finding Aiden Duncan for a 34-yard touchdown.

But, one more time, it was Slaven for the Highlanders. This time, Slaven broke free down the sideline for a 39-yard scoring run.

After Scott’s defense made a stand, Jesse Jeffers iced the game by pulling away for a 48-yard score with just seconds remaining.

The Highlanders will have an open date before hosting Monterey to open the month of September.

Need a good rate on your auto insurance? Contact your local State Farm agent, Roger Baldwin. (Sponsored content.)

Drayton Wade reaches for the goal line on a 7-yard touchdown reception late in Oneida’s 21-0 win at Rockwood on Friday, Aug. 23, 2026. Sarah Dunlap/IH.

Oneida starts Martin era with shutout of Rockwood

ROCKWOOD, Tenn. (08.22.2026) | First came the pregame thunderstorm that delayed things. Then came the first quarter power outage that caused further delays. Finally came an early-Saturday-morning finish that found Oneida celebrating a 21-0 win over Rockwood shortly after midnight at Civitan Stadium.

On a night marked by delays and first half mistakes, Oneida found itself locked into a scoreless tie with the homestanding Tigers at the halftime break. But the second half belonged to the Indians, who put three scores on the board to pull away from their non-region rival and score the first win of Mark Martin’s tenure as head coach.

Martin, who was elevated to the role of head coach this year after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator the past several seasons, saw his defense continue to live up to the reputation it has established during his tenure, limiting Rockwood to just 159 yards of offense.

“This was a total team effort tonight,” Martin said. “We have guys that are totally exhausted. It was a total team, played-their-guts-out effort tonight.”

The night was almost over before it had really gotten started. After the game was delayed until nearly 9 p.m. due to pregame lightning, the teams hadn’t played a full quarter before the lights went out. As utility crews worked just outside the stadium to restore power, coaches and administrators discussed the possibility of calling it a night and postponing the game.

That didn’t happen, but for the entirety of the first half, it looked like all the delays had thrown Oneida’s offense off its game. The Indians had a bad snap on a punt attempt, a shanked punt that netted just five yards on another fourth down, and an interception turnover.

Rockwood, though, was besieged by untimely penalties and was unable to cash in. After the shanked punt gave the Tigers possession at Oneida’s 36-yard-line, Rockwood was unable to pick up a first down, and a fourth down pass to the end zone sailed just over the hands of an open receiver.

“We hadn’t tasted much adversity up to this point,” Martin said. “We had plenty of it in the first half. I kinda questioned what kind of men they were (at halftime). What are we gonna do in the face of this adversity? I think they answered that bell really well in the second half.”

Oneida turned three possessions into three scores in the second half.

The Indians took the first possession of the third quarter and used a 37-yard pass from Connor Mays to Kannon Gazay to set up a 2-yard touchdown plunge by Gage Duncan, who finished with 73 yards and a pair of scores on 22 carries as the workhorse in the backfield.

Rockwood answered by marching the ball steadily into Oneida territory. But after getting near the red zone, the drive stalled, and a stop at the line of scrimmage on third-and-short forced a fourth down play that saw Waylon Hill come up with a stop at the 26-yard-line.

From there, the Indians marched 74 yards for another score, with Mays completing a pass to Hill at the one-yard-line to set up a six-yard touchdown run by Duncan after a penalty.

Mays finished the game 8 of 11 through the air for 133 yards, and was named the IH Sports Network’s First National Bank Player of the Game.

After a Rockwood punt, Oneida put a final score on the board when Mays rolled out and found Drayton Wade from the 7-yard-line.

“He operated the offense at a very high level,” Martin said of Mays. “He’s been doing that all year. He played with such poise. He doesn’t get rattled, and he makes great decisions. And that extends to all our guys.”

Rockwood’s final drive of the night saw the Tigers finally reach Oneida’s red zone, but a fumble was recovered by Wade, allowing the Indians to escape with the shutout.

Oneida finished with 241 yards of offense.

The Indians’ defense was led by Waylon Hill’s 16 tackles and 13 stops by Tate Shepard. In addition to Wade’s fumble recovery, Braxton Boshears also recovered a fumble.

Words of Wisdom

☀️ Weather: Dry weather will greet the start of the week, with lots of sun and temperatures in the low to mid 80s. Nighttime temperatures may drop all the way into the mid 50s — very nice for August! Slight rain chances return to the forecast by Wednesday afternoon, but will remain low throughout the rest of the week. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page — published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot — or always available at indherald.com.

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📅 Community Calendar

Monday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center (Monticello Pike, Huntsville) offers a walking program, puzzles and games, and massage chairs every week day (Monday-Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Additionally, Bingo will be offered today at 11 a.m. and Golden Grooves Exercise at 1 p.m.

Monday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out. Phone: (423) 569-5972.

Monday: In high school sports, Scott High soccer will host Oliver Springs at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Tuesday: Pinnacle Resource Center’s food pantry (1513 Jeffers Road, Huntsville) will be open beginning at 10 a.m. There are no income guidelines; however, a photo ID and a piece of mail with a Scott County address are required.

Tuesday: Boy Scout Troop #333 will meet at the Oneida War Memorial Building on Alberta Street in Oneida beginning at 6 p.m.

Tuesday: In high school sports, Scott High soccer will travel to Campbell County at 6 p.m. and Oneida soccer will host Anderson County at 7 p.m.

Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Wednesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out.

Wednesday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will host Golden Grooves Exercise at 1 p.m.

Thursday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Thursday: In high school sports, Scott High soccer will be at Union County at 6:30 p.m., and Oneida soccer will be at Sevier County at 6:30 p.m.

Friday: The Big South Fork Pool at Bandy Creek will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 ($2 for children).

Friday: In high school sports, Oneida football will host Harriman at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on the IH Sports Network.

Upcoming: Trinity Baptist Church will host a Young Men’s Meeting on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 5 p.m. in the church gym (1611 Glass House Road, Helenwood). There will be preaching by Alan Hearn, with Steve Demers and Ben Cross. A meal will follow the service.

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Ava Claire Byrd is crowned Miss Scott County

Ben Garrett — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:23:19 GMT

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Ava Claire Byrd is new Miss Scott County

ONEIDA (08.15.2026) | Ava Claire Byrd was crowned Miss Scott County Fairest of the Fair at the 100th Scott County Fair Saturday evening.

Ava Claire, a senior at Oneida High School, is the daughter of Amanda and Daniel West, and Casey Byrd. She was crowned from a field of 14 contestants that the judges first trimmed to nine finalists before making their final decision.

First runner-up was Lauren Taylor Reynolds, daughter of Brandon and Jennifer Reynolds and a senior at Scott High School. Second runner-up was Briley Duncan, daughter of Darren and Kristin Duncan and a 2026 graduate of Oneida High School.

The top three contestants at the Miss Scott County Fairest of the Fair pageant on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, included first runner-up Lauren Reynolds and second runner-up Briley Duncan. LeEtta Boyatt/IH.

Prior to making their winning selections, the judges announced a top eight — which wound up being a top nine after it was realized that Lauren Reynolds had been accidentally omitted from the group. Among the finalists were Raelynne Blevins, Shayleigh Gray, Sierra Johnson, Jaeda Newport, Miracle Silcox, and Emmerson Swenson.

In addition to being named the pageant’s winner, Ava Claire Byrd was also named the photogenic winner, chosen by the judges before the start of the pageant based on photos submitted by each contestant, and Miss Congeniality, an award chosen by her peers in the pageant.

Sierra Johnson, daughter of Daniel and Kenya Lorang and the late Phillip Johnson, was named the fan favorite, based on the audience’s monetary donations.

Emmerson Swenson was named by the judges as the best interview winner. She is the daughter of Stephanie Swenson.

The complete list of 2026 Scott County Fairest of the Fair winners:

Miss Scott County: Ava Claire Byrd
Miss Teen: Seleia Anderson
Miss Pre-Teen: Karsyn Billingsley
Little Miss: Blakelynn Stephens
Little Miss Jr.: Chandler Lambert
Little Miss Tiny Tot: Laeleigh Spradlin
Little Miss Tiny Tot Jr.: Graylee Marlow
Little Miss Petite: Laynie Terry
Miss Sunshine: Rebekah West
Little Miss Sunshine: Amiri Harmon

Need a good rate on your auto insurance? Contact your local State Farm agent, Roger Baldwin. (Sponsored content.)

IH Opinion: Brylee Rector represented Scott County with grace and dignity

08.14.2026 | The title of Miss Scott County is about more than winning a pageant. The young woman who wears the crown becomes, for a 12-month period, not just an ambassador for the fair but also for the community and the people who call it home.

The reigning Miss Scott County, Brylee Rector, carried that title and that responsibility well tonight. As part of the 100th Scott County Fair, the Fairest of the Fair Committee added a new Miss Sunshine pageant for special needs contestants. Tonight was all about the contestants, of course. (See our posts from earlier this evening announcing the winners.) But if you were watching at home, you might not have noticed the moments that played out just off camera, since the cameras were focused on the contestants (as they should’ve been).

Throughout the pageant, Brylee was there with the contestants — helping when needed, offering encouragement, and making sure each contestant had her moment. It wasn’t something that seemed rehearsed or done for attention. It was simply a young lady understanding the role she had been given and carrying it out well.

Those moments might not be the ones that come with trophies or applause, but they say a lot about the person wearing the crown. Brylee represented our community with grace, kindness and maturity tonight. And, not to be forgotten, a newly-crowned pageant winner, Karsyn Billingsley (who won the Miss Pre-Teen pageant earlier this week) was right there beside Brylee, also assisting tonight’s contestants. It isn’t hard to imagine her sliding into that same role as the community’s ambassador in a few years.

Yes, tonight was about the contestants. They had their moment in the spotlight, and hats off to the Scott County Fair and the Fairest of the Fair Committee for giving them that opportunity. But Brylee (and Karsyn) deserve their own shoutout on this night. If the biggest responsibility of winning a fairest of the fair crown is representing the community, these two did it very well tonight!

Griffith wins HUD seat

HUNTSVILLE (08.15.2026) | In Saturday’s Huntsville Utility District directors' election, Clyde Griffith was the victor. He received 275 votes (87%). He was facing off against Danny Keeton.

Words of Wisdom

The Week Ahead

🌦️ Weather: It’s going to continue to be hot today and for much of the week. We’ll have a heat index near 100 degrees today, with a 50/50 chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. The rest of the week will feature very typical summer weather, with daily chances for thunderstorms improving by the end of the week. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page — published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot — or always available at indherald.com.

—

📅 Community Calendar

Monday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center (Monticello Pike, Huntsville) offers a walking program, puzzles and games, and massage chairs every weekday (Monday-Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Additionally, Golden Grooves Exercise will be offered today at 1 p.m.

Monday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out. Phone: (423) 569-5972.

Monday: Scott County Commission will meet in regular session at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville, beginning at 5 p.m. This will be the final session of the current term.

Tuesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Tuesday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will host Tai Chi at 11 a.m.

Tuesday: Boy Scout Troop #333 will meet at the Oneida War Memorial Building on Alberta Street in Oneida beginning at 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Wednesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out.

Wednesday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will host Senior Meal Connect.

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 12 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Thursday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Thursday: The Town of Oneida Board of Mayor & Aldermen will meet at the Oneida Municipal Services Building, beginning at 6 p.m.

Thursday: The Town of Huntsville Board of Mayor & Aldermen will meet at the Huntsville Municipal Building, beginning at 6 p.m.

Thursday: Middle school football will feature Oneida vs. Scott at Highlander Stadium in Huntsville (7 p.m.). The game will be broadcast live on the IH Sports Network.

Friday: The Big South Fork Pool at Bandy Creek will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 ($2 for children).

Friday: The high school football season begins with Oneida traveling to Rockwood (7:30 p.m.) and Scott High traveling to McCreary Central (7:30 p.m.). Both games will be broadcast live on the IH Sports Network.

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Off to Washington

Ben Garrett — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:30:32 GMT

S.T.A.N.D.’s Coffey lands White House gig

WASHINGTON, D.C. (8.12.2026) | Scott County’s Trent Coffey has been appointed by President Donald Trump as the Assistant Deputy Director of Use & Prevention Grants in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

After months of preliminary matters, including interviews and a vetting process, Coffey accepted the White House’s formal offer earlier this week, and will begin his new role in Washington on Aug. 31.

Coffey has served as the executive director of S.T.A.N.D. — Schools Together Allowing No Drugs — since its inception in Scott County, and has become a recognizable figure on the national drug-prevention scene. He is no stranger to the White House, landing an invitation to join Trump for a round-table discussion on drug prevention during the president’s first term in 2017.

The Deputy Director of Use & Prevention Grants is a newly-created position, and will oversee the distribution of hundreds of millions of dollars in drug prevention grant funding to coalitions like S.T.A.N.D. across the country.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is a behemoth agency that coordinates across 19 federal agencies and oversees a $44 billion budget. When the position of Assistant Deputy Director of Use & Prevention Grants was created, leaders within the agency reached out to Coffey. He first declined, then reconsidered.

“I know the connections I’m going to make, and with what we’ve already done and what we have the potential to do, I can bring more back to Scott County and the State of Tennessee through this position,” Coffey told the Independent Herald Wednesday. “The dividends from that will pay for years. That’s one of the main reasons I’m doing it.”

Coffey said he has no interest in making the transition to Washington his last.

“I told them when I interviewed that this is not a career move for me,” he said. “I’ve built my career and I’m happy where I am. I’m doing this to impart knowledge on what Scott County has gotten recognition on and to help other communities across the country.”

Coffey will take a 30-month leave of absence from S.T.A.N.D. Dale Owens — a 21-year veteran of the organization — will serve as S.T.A.N.D.’s interim executive director, and Jagger Coffey — Trent’s son — will be promoted to assistant executive director.

Coffey has already secured an apartment in Washington, and his wife, Robin, will soon join him in the nation’s capital.

In a letter to the citizens of Scott County, Coffey called the decision to temporarily step away from S.T.A.N.D. “one of the most difficult decisions a person will ever make.” He called it “one of the greatest professional honors of my life” to be recruited for the newly created position at the White House.

“Throughout my career, I have believed that the most effective solutions to our nation’s challenges are built one community at a time,” he wrote. “It is deeply humbling to know that the work accomplished here in Scott County helped create an opportunity to contribute to those efforts on a national level.”

Coffey added that Scott County has become “a national example of what is possible when a community chooses unity over division, service over self-interest, and action over excuses.”

Calling Scott County home, Coffey said he is not leaving the local community behind, but that he’s taking it with him to Washington. Meanwhile, he said, Scott County will remain his home — even as he spends significant time in the nation’s capital — and that he will return to S.T.A.N.D. once his time in Washington is complete.

“My commitment to S.T.A.N.D., to the citizens of Scott County, and to the mission we have shared for more than 25 years remains as strong today as it has ever been,” he said, adding that he is confident that the foundation that has been built will be carried on in the meantime by S.T.A.N.D.’s staff and board of directors.

The move to the White House has been a long time coming for Coffey. While S.T.A.N.D.’s work — carried out at its modest facilities on Sheppard Road in Oneida — have been somewhat out-of-sight and out-of-mind at times locally over the past 25 years, the organization has served as a model for similar programs in other rural communities and has set a standard that Washington has used in its approach to drug-free communities policy.

“Because of our program, both S.T.A.N.D. and the Youth Service Learning Initiative, our relationship with the community, and the Correctional Careers Pathways initiative, we’ve gained national recognition,” Coffey said. “That’s why the drug czar came to Scott County. She had just started her position and she wanted to learn more about coalitions. So she came here. We’ve been good stewards with their dollars and we’ve trained people across the country.”

Huntsville Post-Acute & Rehabilitation Center offers short-term or long-term care … on your terms. Learn more. (Sponsored content.)

Karsyn Billingsley crowned Miss Pre-Teen Scott County

ONEIDA (8.12.2026) | Karsyn McKenna Billingsley was crowned Scott County’s Miss Pre-Teen Fairest of the Fair Tuesday evening, as the 100th Scott County Fair hit full stride with the opening of the midway and a pre-pageant celebration marking the fair’s centennial occasion.

Karsyn, the daughter of Jacob and Ashley Billingsley, was crowned from a field of 18 contestants that judges first whittled to 12 and then to six before making their final selections.

Karsyn was also chosen as the fan favorite, based on the audience’s monetary donations.

The top three at the 2026 Miss Pre-Teen Fairest of the Fair on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, included first runner-up Audrey Abbott and second runner-up Mia Blevins. LeEtta Boyatt/IH.

The first runner-up was Audrey Rose Abbott, daughter of Tyler and Hailey Carson.

The second runner-up was Mia Shea Blevins, daughter of Eric and Nicolette Blevins. She was also chosen as the pageant’s photogenic winner, selected by the judges before the event began based on photos submitted by each contestant.

Also finishing among the six finalists were Paisley Faith Yancey, Aniston Blake Morgan, and Charlee Grace Burke.

Finishing among the top 12 after the judges’ first cut were Piper Watters, Shealee Zaria Hodges, Sawyer Grace Jeffers, Emma Strunk, Carley Jade Hicks, and Avery Blou King.

Prior to the start of the pageant, resolutions from state and local governments were presented to the Scott County Fair Committee in a ceremony recognizing the fair’s 100th year. Scott County is just the 22nd county in Tennessee to have a fair that is 100 years old. Resolutions were presented by state Rep. Kelly Keisling, Huntsville Mayor Dennis Jeffers, and Virginia Bruce, representing the Town of Oneida.

Pageants will continue Thursday with the Miss Teen Fairest of the Fair. The Miss Sunshine pageant will be Friday, and the 2026 Miss Scott County will be crowned on Saturday.

It was announced Tuesday that gate admission will be free for all both Wednesday and Thursday, with admission costs sponsored by the Town of Oneida on Wednesday and Takahata on Thursday. Gates open at 6 p.m. daily. One-price ride bands are $20. Parking donations are accepted by the Scott County Rescue Squad.

Blakelynn Stephens is Little Miss Fairest of the Fair

ONEIDA (8.11.2026) | Blakelynn Kori Stephens was crowned Scott County’s Little Miss Fairest of the Fair at the 100th Scott County Fair Monday evening.

As the midway was being constructed in the background — scheduled to open Tuesday evening — 18 girls ages seven to nine competed in the Little Miss pageant in the Fairest of the Fair pavilion. A panel of three judges first trimmed the field to 10 and then to six before choosing the winners.

Blakelynn Stephens is the 9-year-old daughter of Kelsey and Dakota Baker.

The top three contestants at the Scott County Little Miss Fairest of the Fair pageant on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, included first runner-up Ellie Sage Strunk and second runner-up Jaida Maelynn Roysdon. LeEtta Boyatt/IH.

First runner-up in Monday’s pageant was Ellie Sage Strunk, the daughter of Logan and Chloe Strunk.

Second runner-up was Jaida Maelynn Roysdon. The daughter of Alex and Destiny Roysdon, she was also chosen by the judges as the photogenic winner, based on photos submitted prior to the pageant.

The fan favorite, based on the audience’s monetary donations, was Adelyn Grace Rector, the daughter of Seth and Tristin Rector.

Monday’s winners joined four winners who had been crowned on Saturday, including Chandler Lambert as Little Miss Jr., Laleigh Spradlin as Miss Tiny Tot, Graylee Jo Marlow as Miss Tiny Tot Jr., and Laynie Terry as Little Miss Petite.

The fair will continue on Tuesday, when the midway opens for the first time. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and the Miss Pre-Teen Fairest of the Fair pageant will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $4, or $1 for children, and one-price ride bands are $20.

The midway will also be open Wednesday through Saturday, with gates opening at 6 p.m. each evening, at the same prices. Additionally, the midway will be open Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. with free admission and $15 ride bands.

Additional pageants include the Miss Teen pageant on Thursday at 7 p.m., the Miss Sunshine pageant on Friday at 6 p.m., and the Miss Scott County Fairest of the Fair pageant on Saturday at 7 p.m. All pageants are broadcast live by the Independent Herald on Facebook, YouTube, and Highland Media Channel 191.

ICYMI

Threads of Life: This week’s Threads of Life newsletter is in remembrance of Crystal Byrd, Pearl Kidd, Judy Lazader, and Marlanea Rhoden. » Read It

Echoes in Time: This week’s Echoes in Time newsletter takes a look back at the last time Scott Countians voted for a Democrat for president. » Read It

The Weekend

🥵 Weather: It’s gonna be hot in Scott County this weekend! There are very slight chances of afternoon thunderstorms both Friday and Saturday, but the bigger story will be the temperatures. We’ll be in the low 90s each day. Not unusual for this time of year — but certainly uncomfortable! Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page— published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot.

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⛪︎ Featured Church

Faith of God

Denomination: Non-denominational
Pastor: Shane R. Phillips
Address: 1435 Tunnel Hill Road, Helenwood

Services
Sunday Morning: 10 a.m.
Sunday Evening: 6 p.m.

» See the complete Church Directory, and thank you to our sponsors of the Church Directory.

—

📅 Community Calendar

• Saturday: The Big South Fork Pool at Bandy Creek will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children.

• Saturday: The midway will be open at the Scott County Fair from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. One-price ride bands are $15. Gates will re-open at 6 p.m. for the final session of the fair, and the Miss Scott County Fairest of the Fair pageant will begin at 7 p.m.

• Saturday: Third Saturday night worship services will be held at Lone Mountain Baptist Church (6p.m.), Capital Hill Missionary Baptist Church (6:30 p.m.), Black Creek Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church (7 p.m.), High Point United Baptist Church (7 p.m.), and House of the Lord (7 p.m.). For more information, see our Church Directory at indherald.com.

• Sunday: The Big South Fork Pool at Bandy Creek will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children.

Scenic Sale!

This week’s sale items at Scenic Foods in Huntsville! The sale continues through Tuesday. Sponsored content.

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Early voting drops to 28-year low in Scott County

Ben Garrett — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:02:09 GMT

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Early voting drops to 28-year low

Photo by Mockup Free on Unsplash

HUNTSVILLE | Early voting ahead of Scott County’s Aug. 6 general election dropped to a level not seen in almost 30 years.

With the close of polls Saturday, the final day of the two-week early voting period, a total of 3,694 voters in Scott County had cast their ballots ahead of the Aug. 6 general election and state primary. The last time that few people voted in the early voting period on the four-year cycle was 1998 — an election that saw Dwight Murphy elected to a second tenure as Scott County Executive and Don Sundquist win the Republican nomination for re-election as Tennessee Governor.

The numbers do not include Scott County’s “off-year” elections, which see only one county-wide race and a limited number of school board races and constable races on the ballot.

In 2022, the last election on the major four-year cycle, a total of 4,326 votes were cast during the early voting period, either in person or by mail. That was down somewhat from 2018, when a total of 4,810 votes were cast during the early voting period, a record that still stands in Scott County on the four-year cycle (early voting ahead of presidential elections has been higher).

Early voting in Tennessee began in 1994. That year 2,141 persons voted early in Scott County. The number climbed to 2,957 in 1998 and topped 4,000 in 2002. It had been above 4,000 every year on the four-year cycle since then, until this year.

Total in-person turnout (without absentee votes) during the early voting period on the four-year cycle looks like this:

1994: 1,920
1998: 2,657
2002: 3,858
2006: 4,336
2010: 4,035
2014: 3,989
2018: 4,457
2022: 3,955
2026: 3,501

The disparity is greater when considering the increase in registered voters. This year, a record 13,859 Scott Countians are registered to vote, according to Administrator of Elections Gabe Krahn. That means 26.7% of Scott County’s registered voters cast ballots during the 15-day early voting period, either in-person or by absentee ballot.

The percentage of registered voters — again, not including absentee voters — who have taken advantage of the early voting process on this election cycle through the years looks like this:

1994: 16.3%
1998: 21.5%
2002: 30.9%
2006: 31.2%
2010: 27.1%
2014: 29.4%
2018: 32.6%
2022: 29.8%
2026: 25.3%

Traditionally, more voters cast ballots during the early voting period than on Election Day. That has been the case in every election in Scott County since 2002, when nearly 52% of those who voted did so during the 15-day early voting period. Here are the numbers through the years:

1994: 26.3%
1998: 36.0%
2002: 51.7%
2006: 54.5%
2010: 58.1%
2014: 61.3%
2018: 65.3%
2022: 61.5%

Voter turnout has been declining in recent elections. In 2022, the last election on this four-year cycle, a total of 52% of registered voters cast ballots. Here are the percentages of total voter turnout since 1994:

1994: 69.2%
1998: 66.3%
2002: 63.1%
2006: 60.2%
2010: 50.1%
2014: 52.4%
2018: 53.9%
2022: 52.3%

It is impossible to draw conclusions from who a lower voter turnout favors. Traditionally, conventional wisdom in the U.S. assumes that lower voter turnout favors incumbent candidates. However, that logic applies to national elections — not local elections, where trends are more difficult to draw conclusions from.

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Anderson is Vice President at TCAT Oneida/Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE | Scott County native Misty Anderson has been named the new Vice President at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Oneida/Huntsville, President Tim Smith announced Friday.

Anderson, who has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, is a Scott County native and former dual enrollment coordinator at TCAT Oneida/Huntsville who is returning home after a 12-year stint at TCAT Knoxville. She has served as Vice President of Human Resources & Compliance at TCAT Knoxville since July 2024.

“This is a homecoming in every sense of the word, and I could not be more excited,” Anderson said. “TCAT Oneida/Huntsville is where my career in technical education began, and its students are the reason I got into this work. I’m honored to return home to serve them — helping every student find a clear path to an education and a rewarding career that can change their family’s future, while providing our local industries with the skilled workforce they need.

“When our students succeed, Scott County grows stronger — one graduate, one family at a time,” Anderson added. “I’m grateful for every opportunity the College System of Tennessee has given me, and I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve learned back to the place where it all began.”

A graduate of Scott High School, Anderson earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and her master’s degree from Western Governors University. She began her career in higher education as an adjunct instructor in workforce development and special industry at TCAT Oneida/Huntsville, and later served as Dual Enrollment coordinator before leaving for a position at TCAT Knoxville in 2014. There, she ascended to the position of Student Services Coordinator, and also served as Financial Aid Coordinator and Coordinator of Human Resources, giving her experience in all aspects of a TCAT institution. As vice president at TCAT Knoxville, she was in charge of human resources and compliance.

“This is a big win for TCAT Oneida/Huntsville,” Smith said. “Misty brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience to the table, which will enable her to serve our student population well. She has worked in all aspects of administration, and has also been in the classroom, so she understands TCAT and the TBR system inside and out.”

Anderson replaces Smith, who was named the college’s president earlier this year. He replaced Dwight Murphy, who retired after more than 20 years at the helm.

Today, TCAT Oneida/Huntsville offers nearly two dozen programs across three counties — Scott, Fentress and Morgan. The college celebrated the completion of two new buildings on its Oneida satellite campus earlier this year, and will celebrate the grand opening of a new satellite campus in Fentress County next month. It also offers post-secondary classes at York Institute, Clarkrange High School, the Morgan County Career & Technical Center, and Morgan County Correctional Complex. Additionally, TCAT Oneida/Huntsville dual enrolls students at high schools throughout the region, including schools in Scott County, Fentress County, Morgan County, Campbell County, Anderson County, and Union County.

In addition to its long-standing programs, TCAT Oneida/Huntsville recently added an Allied Health and Medical Assisting program in Huntsville and an Earthmoving Equipment Operator program in Oneida. New programs set to begin this fall include Aviation Maintenance Technology in Oneida, and Telecommunications and Underground Construction Technology in Fentress County.

For more information on any of the programs offered by TCAT, visit tcatoneida.edu. For financial aid inquiries, call (423) 663-4900 ext. 109.

Words of Wisdom

🌦️ Weather: There’s a 50% chance of thunderstorms today. Otherwise, we’ll see a mix of clouds and sun, with a high temperature near 80 degrees. The rest of the week will feature continuing thunderstorm chances and rising temperatures. We’ll generally be in the mid 80s each day with at least a 50/50 chance of scattered thunderstorms daily. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page — published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot — or always available at independentherald.net.

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📅 Community Calendar

Monday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out. Phone: (423) 569-5972.

Monday: Scott County Commission will meet in work session at the Scott County Office Building, beginning at 5 p.m.

Tuesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Tuesday: Pinnacle Resource Center’s food pantry (1513 Jeffers Road, Huntsville) will be open beginning at 9:45 a.m. There are no income guidelines; however, a photo ID and a piece of mail with a Scott County address are required.

Tuesday: Boy Scout Troop #333 will meet at the Oneida War Memorial Building on Alberta Street in Oneida beginning at 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Wednesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out.

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at the Highway 27 Unity Club in Oneida, beginning at 12 p.m.

Wednesday: The Scott Appalachian Industries Senior Center in Huntsville will offer Golden Grooves Exercise at 1 p.m.

Thursday: Polls will be open for Election Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Independent Herald will have live coverage of results beginning at 8 p.m.

Thursday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Thursday: The Oneida Special School District Board of Education will meet in regular session at the Central Office Training Center, beginning at 6 p.m.

Thursday: Narcotics Anonymous will meet at the Highway 27 Unity Club in Oneida, beginning at 7 p.m.

Friday: The Big South Fork swimming pool at Bandy Creek will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 ($2 for ages 6-12).

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Dunlap is new president of state pharmacists association

Ben Garrett — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:21:54 GMT

Dunlap is new president of Tennessee Pharmacists Association

NASHVILLE | Brent Dunlap, of Oneida, was inaugurated as the next president of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association during the association’s summer meeting in Florence, Ala., earlier this month.

As president, Dunlap will help lead TPA’s efforts to advance the profession of pharmacy, advocate for patient access to pharmacy services, and support pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians throughout Tennessee. His installation marks the beginning of a next chapter of Board leadership for the Association as it continues its mission to promote safe and effective medication use and improve health outcomes across the state.

Dunlap has long been recognized for his commitment to the pharmacy profession and to serving patients and communities throughout Tennessee. During his term, he will work closely with TPA members, volunteer leaders, and staff to address opportunities and challenges facing the profession while advancing initiatives that strengthen pharmacy’s role in healthcare.

“Brent is a respected leader whose passion for pharmacy and dedication to patient care make him exceptionally well suited to serve as TPA president,” said Anthony Pudlo, CEO of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association. “We look forward to working alongside him as we continue advocating for the profession and expanding the impact pharmacists have on the health of Tennesseans.”

In accepting the office, Dunlap expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him by the membership and his commitment to serving the profession during a pivotal time for healthcare and pharmacy practice. The installation ceremony was held as part of the TPA Summer Meeting, which brings together pharmacy professionals and industry partners for education, networking, and leadership development.

In his installation address, Dunlap acknowledged his father, the late Bill Dunlap.

“When the opportunity to seek this office first came up, I wasn’t sure if I was ready,” Dunlap said. “Dad looked at me and simply said, ‘You need to do it.’”

Bill Dunlap, who owned Plateau DrugCenter and worked alongside his sons in the profession, died in January at age 76. He was also a member of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association.

This story first appeared here.

Huntsville Post-Acute & Rehabilitation Center offers short-term or long-term care … on your terms. Learn more. (Sponsored content.)

Billingsley selected to national fellowship

ONEIDA | Oneida Elementary School Principal Ashley Billingsley has been named a member of the 2027 National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s Teacher Leader Fellows cohort, the organization announced Tuesday.

Billingsley was one of 12 educators selected from a pool of applicants from across the country. She is in her first full year as principal at OES after previously serving as assistant principal at the school for four years.

“I am proud to welcome Ashley Billingsley into the 2027 NIET Teacher Leader Fellows cohort,” said NIET chief executive officer Dr. Joshua Barnett. “This fellowship reflects NIET’s commitment to build educator excellence and empower outstanding teacher leaders who are strengthening instruction and accelerating student success.”

Billingsley comes from a family of educators, and believes strong schools are built through teamwork, consistency, and willingness to keep learning and improving.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this program,” she said. “I believe leadership is about building people, not just managing a school. The best schools grow when teachers feel supported, trusted, and challenged to lead in ways that positively impact students beyond their own classroom. As a leader, I want to create a culture where we continuously reflect on our practices, learn from student evidence, and work together to make sure every decision is centered around what is best for kids.”

The NIET Teacher Leader Fellows Program was created with educator effectiveness in mind, bringing together teacher leaders from partner schools nationwide who demonstrate exceptional implementation of NIET’s principles, emphasizing educator excellence and advancing student success.

“Ashley’s leadership has helped build a culture centered on collaboration, reflection, and student achievement at Oneida Elementary School,” said Oneida Special School District interim director Kelly Chitwood. “We are thrilled to see her recognized as a NIET Teacher Leader Fellow and know she will bring valuable learning back to our district.”

The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching is a national nonprofit based in Phoenix, Ariz., that serves states and districts nationwide.

This story first appeared here.

ICYMI

Threads of Life: This week’s Threads of Life newsletter is in remembrance of Faye Phillips, Joel Newport, Keisha Robbins, and Jenny Duncan. » Read It

Echoes in Time: This week’s Echoes in Time newsletter takes a look back at the man who plotted Huntsville, Wayne Whitecotton. » Read It

The Weekend

🌥️ Weather: The weekend will start nice, with dry conditions and temperatures in the low 80s Friday. Rain will return to the forecast Saturday, but Sunday should be dry (although warmer, with temperatures pushing into the mid to upper 80s). Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page— published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot.

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⛪︎ Featured Church

Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

Denomination: Baptist (Missionary)
Pastor: Bobby Williams
Address: 1467 Annadell Road, Pioneer

Services
Sunday School: 10 a.m.
Sunday Morning: 11 a.m.
Sunday Evening: 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 p.m.

» See the complete Church Directory, and thank you to our sponsors of the Church Directory.

—

📅 Community Calendar

• Saturday: The Scott County Farmers & Crafters Market on Scott High Drive will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

• Saturday: The Huntsville Municipal Pool will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ($3). The Big South Fork Pool at Bandy Creek will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ($3, or $2 for ages 6-12). The Oneida City Park Splashpad will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting (free).

• Sunday: The Huntsville Municipal Pool will be open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($3). The Big South Fork Pool at Bandy Creek will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ($3, or $2 for ages 6-12). The Oneida City Park Splashpad will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting (free).

Scenic Sale!

This week’s sale items at Scenic Foods in Huntsville! The sale continues through Tuesday. Sponsored content.

◼️ About the IH • IH Sports Network • The Encyclopedia of Scott County
◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Manage Your Account
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Hundreds take advantage of first two days of early voting period

Ben Garrett — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:08:05 GMT

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Hundreds take advantage of first two days of early voting

HUNTSVILLE | Early voting in Scott County is running slightly ahead of where it stood at the same point four years ago, according to figures released by the Scott County Election Commission.

After the first two days of early voting for the Aug. 6 state primary and county general election, 441 ballots have been cast. At the same point in the 2022 election cycle, 421 ballots had been cast.

That represents an increase of 20 votes, or about 4.8%, compared to the first two days of early voting in 2022.

Despite the increase in ballots cast, voter participation as a percentage of registered voters is virtually unchanged because Scott County has added voters to its registration rolls over the past four years.

The county now has approximately 13,710 registered voters (13,706 as of May), compared to 13,287 at the same point in 2022. As a result, both elections have seen about 3.2% of registered voters cast ballots through the first two days of early voting.

Party participation has shifted slightly toward Republican voters.

Among party primary ballots cast so far this year, 92.3% have been Republican ballots, while 7.7% have been Democratic ballots. In 2022, 90.3% of party primary ballots were Republican and 9.7% were Democratic. That could be slightly noteworthy because, unlike 2022, there is a Scott Countian on the Democratic ballot. Seth McMillan, a Robbins native, is seeking the state representative seat in the 38th District. While the early breakdown suggests more Scott Countians are not requesting a Democratic ballot to vote for the local candidate, it should also be pointed out that McMillan is running unopposed, and the focus in the state primary is overwhelmingly on the Republican gubernatorial race, where current U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn is trying to hold off a challenge from U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Fritz. The real race in the 38th District will come in November, when McMillan faces off against Republican Kelly Keisling, the incumbent who is also unopposed in the primary.

Early voting began Friday and will continue through Saturday, Aug. 1. The Election Day voting will be held Thursday, Aug. 6.

Historically, the majority of voters cast their ballots during the two-week early voting period. In 2022, total voter turnout was just over 52%. Of those who cast ballots, fewer than four in 10 did so on Election Day; better than 60% of the ballots were cast during the early voting period. Because of the disparity, races tend to be won or lost during the early voting window. Only the tightest of races see Election Day totals swing the outcome.

Need a good rate on your auto insurance? Contact your local State Farm agent, Roger Baldwin. (Sponsored content.)

Cross named GM of LaFollette Utilities

LAFOLLETTE, Tenn. | Dave Cross, the former chief executive officer of Plateau Electric Cooperative, has been named to the same post at LaFollette Utilities Board, WLAF was the first to report Friday.

Cross, a Robbins resident, spent 15 years in the chief executive’s office at Plateau Electric before retiring in September 2023. He spent 22 years in finance at PEC before that, for a total career of 37 years with the utility district that provides electricity in Scott and Morgan counties.

Almost immediately after leaving PEC, Cross accepted a job as the city of Oak Ridge’s electric department manager, a post he has held since December 2023.

The Clarkrange native is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University. He and his wife, Cheryl, have six children.

According to WLAF, Cross’s appointment as LUB’s general manager came during a special called meeting Friday afternoon.

TWRA’s ‘baiting privilege license’ available this week

The new Deer Bait Privilege License will be available on GoOutdoorsTennessee.com and in the TWRA On the Go App, starting July 22, 2026. The cost will be $50 for a resident of Tennessee and $100 for a non-resident. Public Chapter No. 444, allowing hunting over bait for white-tailed deer, was initiated by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Bill Lee in the 2025 Legislative Session.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is informing the public that all hunters wishing to hunt white-tailed deer over bait, are required to purchase this license regardless of exemptions, lifetime licenses, and age. It is valid only on private property (owned or leased), across all private properties the hunter may have access to and is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Under the new law, deer baiting is not allowed on Wildlife Management Areas, in the CWD Management Zone, or any CWD-positive county. For a list of counties in the CWD Management Zone and other positive counties, visit the website here. There are specific types and amounts of bait that are authorized and other bait site rules that are in effect. A full list of the regulations for hunting over bait are listed on the website here.

Feeding and baiting wildlife are regulated to protect both wildlife populations and the public. Concentrating animals increases the risk of spreading serious diseases such as CWD, bovine tuberculosis, and brucellosis, which can affect wildlife, livestock, and pets. Poor‑quality or improperly stored grains may contain aflatoxins that are highly toxic to species like turkeys and quail. Grain overload, or acidosis, can occur with sudden shifts to carbohydrate-rich diets (like corn) during winter, creating a disruption in normal digestive processes, sometimes resulting in fatal outcomes.

Additionally, feed/bait can unintentionally attract raccoons, feral hogs, and growing black bear populations, increasing the likelihood of predation, nuisance issues, and habitat and property damage. Hunters should consider these issues when placing and leaving bait on the landscape.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

Words of Wisdom

🌦️ Weather: Warm temperatures and occasional thunderstorms will greet the week, as we push into the mid to upper 80s Monday and Tuesday with chances of storms. The best chance of thunderstorms will come Tuesday and Tuesday night, as a cold front arrives. There’s a slight risk of severe weather during that time frame. We’ll be a little “cooler” after Wednesday, with drier conditions to end the week. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page — published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot — or always available at indherald.com.

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📅 Community Calendar

Monday: Early voting will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville and the Oneida Municipal Services Building. Registered Scott County voters must provide an eligible photo ID to vote.

Monday: The Huntsville Municipal Pool is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. each week day. Admission is $3. The Oneida City Park Splash Pad is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out. Phone: (423) 569-5972.

Monday: Scott County Commission will meet in regular session at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville, beginning at 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Early voting will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville and the Oneida Municipal Services Building. Registered Scott County voters must provide an eligible photo ID to vote.

Tuesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Tuesday: Boy Scout Troop #333 will meet at the Oneida War Memorial Building on Alberta Street in Oneida beginning at 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 7 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Wednesday: Early voting will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville and the Oneida Municipal Services Building. Registered Scott County voters must provide an eligible photo ID to vote.

Wednesday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out.

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 12 p.m. at the Highway 27 Unity Club (17737 S. Alberta Street, Oneida).

Thursday: The Gerry McDonald Mission House, located on Church Avenue, directly behind First United Methodist Church, is closed today.

Thursday: Early voting will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville and the Oneida Municipal Services Building. Registered Scott County voters must provide an eligible photo ID to vote.

Thursday: The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will host exercise from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Friday: Early voting will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville and the Oneida Municipal Services Building. Registered Scott County voters must provide an eligible photo ID to vote.

Friday: The Big South Fork swimming pool at Bandy Creek is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $3 for ages 13 and up, or $2 for ages 6-12.

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Early voting starts this week

Ben Garrett — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:59:35 GMT

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Early voting starts later this week

Photo by visuals on Unsplash

HUNTSVILLE | Scott County voters will get their first opportunity to cast ballots Friday as early voting begins for the Aug. 6 county general election and Tennessee’s state and federal primary elections.

Early voting will be conducted at the Scott County Office Building in Huntsville, as well as the Oneida Municipal Services Building in Oneida. The early voting period continues through Saturday, Aug. 1, giving voters more than two weeks to cast their ballots before Election Day.

For many voters, earl voting is the most convenient way to participate in the election. Unlike Election Day, when voters must report to their assigned precinct, any registered Scott County voter can cast an early ballot at the County Office Building or the Oneida Municipal Building. If this year’s election follows modern trends, more people will cast ballots during the early voting period than on Election Day.

What to expect

Tennessee law requires voters to present a valid federal or Tennessee-issued photo ID before receiving a ballot. Acceptable forms of identification include a Tennessee driver’s license, a TN Dept. of Safety photo ID, a U.S. passport, military photo ID, Tennessee handgun carry permit, or other government-issued photo identification that meets state requirements. College student IDs and most employer-issued identification cards are not accepted.

Election officials recommend allowing a few extra minutes for first-time voters or anyone who has recently changed addresses or names. First-time voters who registered by mail or online whose photo ID is expired must also present either a current utility bill, a bank statement, a government check, a paycheck, or another government document that shows their name and address.

The process is simple. Upon arrival, you’ll check in with a poll worker, presenting your ID and providing your signature. You’ll notify the registration assistants whether you want to vote in the Republican primary, the Democrat primary, or neither. You’ll then be given a print-out, which you hand to poll workers who are manning each voting machine. Your votes are made electronically and privately, with several pages of options to select from before you push the final button to cast your ballot.

What will be on the ballot?

Scott County voters will receive a county general election ballot featuring local offices and, depending on which party primary they choose to participate in, either a Republican or Democrat primary ballot for state and federal offices.

County-wide offices that are on the ballot include county mayor, sheriff, road superintendent, county attorney, trustee, county clerk, register of deeds, and circuit court clerk. Every voter will also select two representatives from their district for County Commission. Depending on which district you’re registered in, you may also have a school board race on your ballot. The school board races that are on this year’s ballot include the 1st District, 4th District, 5th District, 7th District, and three seats in the Oneida Special School District.

The county mayor’s race features incumbent Jerried Jeffers running against Republican nominee Dennis Jeffers and independent challengers Trent Cross and Jennifer Shockley.

The sheriff’s race features incumbent Brian Keeton, the Republican nominee, running against independent challengers Dennis Chambers and Kris Lewallen.

The road superintendent’s race features incumbent Kelvin King, the Republican nominee, running unopposed.

The county attorney’s race features incumbent John Beaty running unopposed.

The county clerk’s race features incumbent Felicia Bilbrey running against the Republican nominee, Amanda Chambers Sexton, and independent candidate Christina Kay Cross.

The circuit court clerk’s race features incumbent Donnie Phillips, the Republican nominee, running unopposed.

The trustee’s race features incumbent Rena Erwin running unopposed.

The register of deeds race features incumbent Ashley Newport Riseden, the Republican nominee, running unopposed.

In the County Commission races:

The 1st District finds incumbents David Jeffers and David “Blue” Day running against Allen Phillips and Elaine Lowe.

The 2nd District finds incumbents Taylor Buttram Stephens and Joyce Potter Keeton running against Adam King.

The 3rd District finds four candidates on the ballot: Mike Keeton, Ronald Keeton, Daniel Murley, and Dacy Williams.

The 4th District finds incumbents Kenny Chadwell and Shonda Gray running unopposed.

The 5th District finds incumbent Kelly Posey-Chitwood joined by challengers Zack Strunk and Ralph Trieschmann.

The 6th District finds incumbent Colby Burke joined by challengers Jason Perry and Torrey Slaven.

The 7th District finds incumbents Jared Burke and Tom Payne running against challengers Kris Byrd and Anthony Carson.

Among school board races:

The 1st District finds incumbent Tommy Silcox running against challenger Rhonda Marlow Davis.

The 4th District finds incumbent Kimberly Kidd running unopposed.

The 5th District finds incumbent Angela Anderson King running against challenger Roger Douglas.

The 7th District finds incumbent Tressa Murphy running against challenger B. Matthew Stiltner.

The Oneida Special School District finds incumbents Kevin Byrd and Mark Matthews joined by challengers Stuart Jones and Benji Jacobs in a three-way race.

There are also judicial questions on this year’s ballot, including retention questions for the Court of Appeals Eastern and Western Divisions, the Court of Criminal Appeals Eastern Division, and state Supreme Court.

On the Republican primary ballot:

The race for the U.S. House of Representatives, where incumbent John Rose is not seeking re-election as he chooses instead to seek the Republican nomination for governor, finds four candidates on the ballot: Natisha Brooks, Johnny Garrett, Jon Henry, and Van Hilleary.

The race for governor features three candidates: Marsha Blackburn, Monty Fritts, and John Rose.

The race for U.S. Senate finds incumbent Bill Hagerty running unopposed.

The state House of Representatives finds incumbent Kelly Keisling running unopposed.

On the Democrat primary ballot:

The race for U.S. House of Representatives features five candidates, including Lore Bergman, Mike Croley, Christopher Martin Finley, Miriam Leibowitz, and Chaney Mosley.

The race for governor features five candidates, including Carnita Atwater, Tim Cyr, Jerri Green, Adam Kurtz, and Kevin Lee McCants.

The race for U.S. Senate also features five candidates, including Marquita Bradshaw, Maria Brewer, Kevin Lee McCants, Civil Miller-Watkins, and Diana Onye-Jiaka.

The race for state House of Representatives finds Seth McMillan running unopposed.

There are also state committee candidates on each primary ballot.

What are the early voting hours?

Early voting hours at both the Oneida Municipal Services Building and the Scott County Office Building are:

Friday, July 17: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Monday, July 20: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuesday, July 21: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 22: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursday, July 23: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, July 24: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Monday, July 27: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursday, July 30: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, July 31: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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The growth chart

On Mondays, we present The Growth Chart, a look at recent and ongoing growth throughout Scott County. Already-completed projects will shift to the bottom of this list, before eventually falling off the list.

Dollar General: The new Dollar General on Coopertown Road in West Oneida opened Friday. Following a failed attempt to place a store near the intersection of Coopertown Road and Cooper Lake Road in Oneida, the Goodlettesville, Tenn.-based corporation secured property at the intersection of Coopertown Road and Smith Road in the Coopertown community, across from New Haven Baptist Church. The new DG will join other stores in Oneida, Huntsville, Robbins, and Winfield, and is likely not the last DG location in Scott County.

Veterans Memorial: A dedication ceremony was held Saturday morning to officially mark the opening of the American Revolutionary Veterans Memorial The memorial pays tribute to the Revolutionary War veterans who later moved to present-day Scott County.

Long John Silver’s: A Long John Silver’s fast food seafood restaurant is being constructed at Oneida Plaza, on the south side of McDonald’s. The targeted opening date is August 2026. The store announced last week that it is currently hiring.

Hammer’s: Signage is now in place for the forthcoming Hammer’s in Huntsville. It will be located in the former Napa Auto Parts building, which is owned by Oneida-based Brewco and is currently being remodeled. The signage reflects the chain’s recent branding as Hammer’s Dry Goods. Hammer’s is not new to Scott County; the company has a warehouse in the Tibbals Industrial Park in Oneida.

Parkside Villas: Stanley Building General Contractors has begun construction on a new condominium unit near Oneida City Park. Parkside Villas will be located next-door to the Scott County Ambulance Service headquarters off Paint Rock Road and Buffalo Road, and will consist of four units with two-bedrooms and two baths that will be offered for sale once completed. There will be a monthly HOA. Amy Martin, Oneida realtor and Stanley Building representative, called it “a new style of housing here in the county. Home ownership and someone else does the maintenance.”

Niggs Creek Road: After the condemned railroad overpass at High Point was demolished in late April, Cookeville-based contractors have begun construction of the new bridge that will eventually result in the reopening of Niggs Creek Road.

The Oak & Ash: Scott County’s newest restaurant is the Oak & Ash, which opened last week in Winfield. It is located in the building that has formerly housed Moose’s Sports Bar & Grill, Murf’s Gearbox Grill, and Boo’s Roadhouse. The restaurant is open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed Tuesdays.

The Florist: A new flower shop has opened in Oneida. The Florist is located in Northtown Plaza, 20435 Alberta Street, and is owned by Tony Litton. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Zaxby’s: Zaxby’s, the fast-food chicken restaurant chain, has purchased 1.3 acres of property on Alberta Street, just north of the Oneida Municipal Services Building, and continues to prepare it for the start of construction.

Dairy Queen: Nick Patel, who owns several other businesses in Scott County, is planning to purchase a DQ franchise that will be located in Oneida. Patel told the Independent Herald in March that the property for the new store has not yet been finalized.

Polo’s Italian Restaurant: Polo’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza, which will be located in Oneida Plaza (up the sidewalk from Walmart), announced on April 3 that its new store will open soon. A grand opening has not yet been announced.

Package Stores: The Town of Oneida began accepting applications for certificates of compliance for liquor stores in May, following November 2024 referendums approved by voters of both the town and the county. Two package stores have since been permitted and are slated to open in the coming months. Lisa Meadows announced on Facebook on Dec. 2 that applications for employment are currently being accepted at one of those stores, which will be located in Oneida Plaza.

Huntsville Store: Huntsville, too, will soon have a package store. Signage for that store went up at the site of the old Hickory Mill on S.R. 63 last month. A convenience store and “fast food” are also planned for the location. Mayor Dennis Jeffers says the fast food portion of the business will not be a recognizable chain, but will instead be a store kitchen.

New Flea Market: The 63/27 Flea Market recently opened at the former mobile home retail lot on U.S. Highway 27 just south of the S.R. 63 intersection in Huntsville. Tina Reed — who most folks will recognize from Perdue’s Shell Kitchen in Huntsville — is the face behind the new flea market, which rents spaces for $25 per day.

University of Tennessee Medical Clinic: University of Tennessee Medical Center has added cardiology and neurology to the list of services it is offering at its new clinic, located adjacent to the Scott County Food Court on U.S. Highway 27 in south Oneida.

27/63 Site Prep: Excavating work has been ongoing at a commercial lot located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and S.R. 63 in Huntsville, and a home that was located on the property has been demolished. According to Huntsville Mayor Dennis Jeffers, there is no construction slated for the site. Dirt removed from the property is being used for the new convenience store across the road, while the property itself remains for sale through Ayers Auction & Real Estate.

More to Come: Something to add? Email newsroom@ihoneida.com.

Words of Wisdom

The week ahead

🌦️ Weather: There’s a 70% chance of thunderstorms in the forecast this afternoon. Otherwise, we’ll top out around 81 degrees today. Storm chances will diminish the rest of the week. Check out our daily Eye to the Sky updates on our Facebook page — published each morning at 7 a.m. on the dot — or always available at independentherald.net.