InfoGuide 2025

Guide 2025 info

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A RESILIENT COMMUNITY

Welcome to the 2025-2026 edition of The Newport Plain Talk’s annual Info Guide.

While The Newport Plain Talk has published an information guide for several years, this year’s edition is an especially meaningful and timely one as our area continues to recover from an historic natural disaster.

Nobody foresaw the flooding that struck Cocke County with such ferocity on Sept. 27, 2024, from the remnants of Hurricane Helene. It displaced families, destroyed or significantly damaged homes, impacted businesses and essential services. We continue to recover and our area’s resilience and the kindness and compassion of our citizens has served as a shining example of what can be accomplished.

We are grateful to the community for its resolve and continued support.

Despite the impact of the flooding, Cocke County continues to offer some of the most beautiful natural resources, recreational activities and business opportunities.

We have listed many government resources available to residents and visitors from essential city and county services as well as helpful business-related resources, healthcare, education and more in this comprehensive guide.

We think you will agree our area has a lot to offer.

A special thank you goes out to our advertisers and sponsors for once again — especially in the face of such adversity this past year — in helping to make the InfoGuide possible.

The Newport Plain Talk has published consistently since 1900 and we are proud to be a part of such a vibrant, resilient community.

Sincerely,

The management and staff of The Newport Plain

Talk

When Cocke County was formally established in 1797, settlers had already carved out homes and farms here twenty years or so earlier.

Native Americans, of course, were the first human residents of the area. Proof of their residency continues to surface in the form of arrowheads and bits of pottery when springtime plowing is done. Although it has not been proven, circumstantial evidence indicates that Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto and his party passed through here.

White trappers and hunters definitely began making their way into this wilderness by the mid-eighteenth century. By the 1770s and 1780s, more and more pioneers moved here, trickling down from the Upper Watauga community and across the mountains from North and South Carolina.

Quite naturally the earliest settlements sprouted along the three rivers — Nolichucky, French Broad, and Pigeon — which flow through the county. With these settlers came the need for protection against the occasional Indian attacks. Several forts, including Bell’s Station, Whitson’s, Huff’s, Wood’s, McKay’s and Swagerty’s, were erected as safe havens for the citizens. Today Swagerty Fort, which stands alongside Old Hwy. 321 north of Parrottsville, is the only such fort remaining.

Legend accords John Gilliland the honor of planting the first corn crop in the county “at the mouth of the Big Pigeon

COCKE COUNTY HISTORY

Cocke County’s history goes back to late 1700s

River.” Gilliland is also credited with donating 50 acres of land, in what we now call Old Town, for the establishment of a county seat.

For close to a century, Old Town was the county’s hub of activity. Here were the courthouse, the jail, Peter Fine’s ferry, a hotel or two, and a few other early businesses, such as Rankin & Pulliam’s store.

Today the Gilliland-Cameron-O’Dell house is the only remaining original structure in Old Town. The other reminder of Old Town’s prominence is the Roadman Cemetery, high on the Parrottsville side of the river, which overlooks the area. Here lie such early leaders as Peter Fine, Edom

Kendrick and William Roadman.

Those hardy souls brought a deep faith in God with them when they moved into this area. In 1787, nine years before Tennessee was admitted to the Union and ten years before the formal establishment of Cocke County, a group organized Big Pigeon Primitive Baptist Church. Its minutes mention a cessation of meetings due to “Indians being troublesome.”

Within twenty-five years several other denominations — Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian — arrived, and in 1845 Salem Lutheran Church was organized in the Parrottsville home of Michael Ottinger.

The only Revolutionary War skirmish known to have occurred in Cocke County

was at the War Ford.

Many of the early settlers came here to claim land granted to them for their service during the Revolutionary War. Over 100 such veterans are known to have received acreage. Because of the county’s topography, large plantations and the slave labor associated with them were few here. While several families did own slaves, the average farmer owned a man and his wife, rather than the dozens of slaves we connect with the story of Scarlet O’Hara. By the 1830s, the county’s population remained small. Efforts to bring the railroad here periodically flourished and dwindled until after the Civil War.

When hostilities erupted, Cocke Countians found their loyalties divided. Often brothers fought on different sides. Although no major battles were fought here, there were at least two skirmishes, one at Parrottsville and another at Cosby. Much suffering was inflicted on the women, children, and elderly by bands of marauding bushwhackers.

In 1865, peace arrived and prosperity slowly returned. In 1867, the railroad finally arrived and with it came a period of unprecedented growth. The tracks ran through what was called Gorman’s Depot, today’s downtown Newport.

In the 1880s, after much controversy, the county seat was moved from Old Town to Gorman’s Depot (also called Clifton). Citizens in Parrottsville bitterly protested the move, because now they had to ford two rivers to reach

the county seat. Citizens in Bridgeport lobbied heavily for the new courthouse to be built there.

Formal education arrived in the form of Anderson Academy, which stood between today’s Northwest Elementary School and Old Town. As the decades passed, dozens of one- and two-room schools sprang up throughout the county. High school work, at one time,

was offered at Parrottsville, Harmony Grove, Raven’s Branch, Moraine, Wilton Springs, Edwina, and Newport.

The 20th century brought more change and prosperity to the region. With the establishment of two canneries, the Bush and Stokely families brought jobs and better living standards to dozens of families. The tannery’s opening in the late 1800s did the same.

Cocke Countians have always done their part to uphold Tennessee’s nickname, “The Volunteer State.” Probably the first citizens here to enlist because of war did so during the War of 1812. At least one aging Revolutionary War soldier joined up. Dozens of men and not a few women answered their country’s call during the two world wars, and did so again during Korean, Vietnam, Desert

Storm, Iraq, and now Afghanistan.

Now, in the 21st century, the county’s growth looks more promising than ever, as a more concerted effort to promote the county’s tourist options and to attract more industry to the area grow. Retirees continue to flock here.

Who knows what the next decades will bring?

Looking Good!

Kendal Ramsey -Stylist

Ruth Cueto-Stylist

Mary Huff hines

CITY OF NEWPORT GOVERNED BY MAYOR & ALDERMAN

The Newport Board of Mayor and Aldermen system governs the City of Newport.

Roland “Trey” Dykes III is the current mayor of the city, having been elected in 2018.

Serving on the council as Aldermen are: Vice Mayor Connie Ball, Mike Hansel, Randy Ragan, Steve Smith and Louanna Ottinger. They each serve four-year terms.

The mayor appoints all the volunteer city boards. City Council appoints the boards with paid positions, which are: the beer board, the police and fire civil service boards and the utilities board. The aldermen govern the city, but City Administrator James Finchum performs most of the administrative duties.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the chamber of the Newport City Hall building at 5:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

The Newport City Hall is located at 300 E. Main St. The telephone number is (423) 623-7323. More information is also available on the city’s website at www.cityofnewport-tn.com.

The City Hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on holidays.

The Newport Board of Zoning Appeals and the Newport Regional Planning Commission, which are made up of the same officials, meet on the

fourth Tuesday of each month in the chamber of City Hall at 3:30 p.m.

The Newport Utilities Board of Directors meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the utilities’ administration center, 170 Cope Boulevard, at 10:30 a.m.

The Newport Housing Authority board meets on the third Monday of each month at 12 noon at its main office at 440 Lennon Circle, Newport. The housing authority’s telephone number is (423) 623-1575.

Newport City Hall is located at 300 East Main Street.

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COCKE COUNTY GOVERNMENT PROVIDES SERVICES TO ALL

Cocke County’s government is structured in the same way as the other 94 counties in the state of Tennessee.

There is a county mayor, who stands for election every four years, who is the chief operating officer for the country and handles administrative duties. Rob Mathis is the current county mayor.

Mathis’ office, along with other officials, including the county finance director, administrator of elections and chancery court clerk and master, is located in the Cocke County Courthouse Annex at 360 East Main Street.

The county is divided into seven districts and each district elects two members to the County Legislative Body (CLB), which must approve all financial expenditures by the county.

The County Board of Education consists of seven members, one elected from each district. It meets on the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the School System’s Central Office, which is located at 305 Hedrick Drive in Newport. The county school system is overseen by a director of schools, Manney Moore, who is appointed by the Board of Education.

The Cocke County Regional Planning Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:15 p.m. at the courthouse annex. The county highway commission, which oversees the county road system, is served by a seven member board, which comes from seven districts. The current highway superintendent is Dwayne “Bullett” McCallister, was re-elected in August 2022 to another four-year term.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SERVE COCKE COUNTY

Cocke County has four local law enforcement agencies to protect and serve the public, including the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office, the Newport Police Department, the Parrottsville Police Department, and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).

In case of emergency dial 911. The highway patrol can be reached by cellular telephone by dialing Star THP (847). It can also be reached by dialing 1-800-737-2682.

For non-emergencies, the sheriff’s office can be reached at (423) 623-6004, the police department at (423) 623-5556, and the highway patrol at (800) 7372682 (press “0”).

The Sheriff’s Office is located in the Cocke County Courthouse at 111 Court Avenue. The sheriff’s detective division is located in the Courthouse Annex at 360 East Main Street. The sheriff’s office responds to all emergency calls outside the Newport city limits.

C.J. Ball is the Cocke County sheriff. The telephone number for the Cocke County Sheriff’s Detectives Division is (423) 623-4827.

The Newport Police Department, originally located at 330 East Main Street, has been temporarily relocated to the second floor of the Community Center due to flooding that impacted the building. The Community Center is located at 426 Cosby Highway. The entrance for the temporary NPD headquarters is located on Prospect Ave. NPD responds to all calls within the city limits of Newport. The main office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number to the police department is (423) 623-5556.

Scott Lamb is the Chief of the Newport Police Department.

Accident and incident reports can be filed or picked up at the appropriate department building depending on whether the accident or incident occurred

inside or outside the city limits. The sheriff’s office does not charge for copies of its reports requested by the public. At the police department, a copy of an accident report costs $5; incident or arrest reports are $4 each.

Rodney Hazelwood is the Town of Parrottsville police chief and also is currently a sergeant with the Cocke County Sheriff’s Department.

COCKE COUNTY CITIZENS

A total of eight fire departments serve the citizens of Cocke County. These are Newport, Cocke County, Centerview, Cosby, Del Rio, Grassy Fork, Long Creek and Parrottsville.

In case of a fire, it is always best to simply call 911.

The Newport Fire Department, located at 103 C Avenue, is composed of 25 firefighters. The department has three engines, one ladder truck, and one mini-pumper. Jeremy Shelton is the fire chief. The telephone number is (423) 613-4048.

telephone number is (423) 623-4444.

The fire chief is Cody Keys. The Centerview Volunteer Fire Department has a pair of locations, 210 Turner Ridge Road, and 109 Fullington Way in Bybee. They have multiple brush trucks, two engines, and one tanker. The telephone number is (423) 623-9444.

Cocke County Fire Department, located at 120 Fairground Circle, has four engines and one tanker. The

Cosby Volunteer Fire Department has three locations, its main hall at 3292 Cosby Hwy., and two branch stations-one in Edwina and the other is adjacent to the Cosby Post Office. In conjunction with the Newport Rescue Squad they constructed a fourth station near the National Guard Armory. The telephone number is (423) 487-2593.

The Del Rio Volunteer Fire Department is located at 480 Hwy. 107. The department also has a sub-station at 325 River Bend Way. The telephone number is (423) 487-2215.

Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department, located at 4110 Big Creek Road, can be reached at (423) 487-5222.

Long Creek Volunteer Fire Department is located at 924 Gunter Corner Road, Parrottsville, the department can be reached at (423) 625-8655.

Parrottsville Volunteer Fire Department is located at 2059 Hwy. 321. Their telephone number is (423) 623-7174.

COCKE COUNTY

LEGISLATIVE BODY

The Cocke County government is structured like every other county in the state, with a County Commission governing all financial expenditures and making other legislative branch decisions.

Cocke County’s Legislative Body is comprised of 14 individuals, who come from seven districts within the county. Each district has two posts and individuals are free to serve the post of their choosing in the district.

Each of Cocke County’s 14 commissioners were elected in the August 2022 County General Election. The next

election will be held in August 2026.

The CLB meets each month on the third Monday at 6 p.m. in the Cocke County Circuit Courtroom.

District Commissioners:

1: Andy Ford, William Miller

2: Gayla Blazer, Jason McMahan

3: Tracy Stepp, Norman Smith

4: Jonathan Templin, Jeff Eslinger

5: Wilma Ball, Dan “Pete” Bright

6: Richard Vassar, David Veridal

7: Billy “Jobob” Hudson, Tim Layman

COCKE COUNTY E-911 READY

The Cocke County Emergency Communications District E-911 office is located at 145 Mineral St. and it dispatches all emergency units in Cocke County including police, sheriff, ambulance, fire, and rescue.

The E-911 director is Nancy Hansel.

The E-911 business office also assigns all residential and business addresses and this service is provided between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number for this service is (423) 623-5978.

Residential and business numbers must be obtained before applying for electric, sewer, gas, water, or phone service connections.

E-911 numbers must be prominently displayed on homes, businesses, and mailboxes, so emergency units are able to locate the residence without loss of valuable time.

A developers permit must be obtained from the Property Assessor’s Office when an individual applies for a new address. This is a state law and must be done before an address can be given.

Individuals that have moved in the last five years or are moving in the near future, should contact E-911 to make sure their address and information has been updated.

“One of our biggest problems that we have is people who fail to put their address numbers on their driveways or homes,” Hansel said. “Our top priority is that when someone dials 911 that we reach him or her just as quickly as possible. Identifying the address could potentially be a life-or-death issue, as emergency responders answer a distress call.” Cocke County E-911 works closely with the state E-911 board to utilize all available funding from the state.

The center phone numbers are 911 (for emergency only) and (423) 6238777 (police dispatch), (423) 623-5556 (police department’s office), (423) 623-3064 (sheriff’s dispatch), or (423) 623-6004 (sheriff’s office) for nonemergency services.

COCKE COUNTY COALITION CRADLE TO CAREER

Working together with families, schools and the community to help kids succeed

The Cocke County Cradle to Career Coalition (C5) started in May 2019 with one big goal: to help kids in Cocke County thrive from birth to adulthood by bringing the community together. Since becoming a nonprofit in December 2022, C5 has focused on three main priorities — getting kids ready for kindergarten, helping them become strong readers by third grade, and making sure more students graduate high school prepared for college or a career.

C5 connects people from different areas like education, healthcare, business and local government — all working toward the same goal of helping kids succeed. By looking at challenges from different perspectives, they can find creative solutions. To make a difference, C5 helps parents and the community understand what kindergarten readiness looks like, provides books and early learning resources, and supports families with young children. The coalition also

works to strengthen reading programs in schools and libraries, get parents more involved in their children’s education, and prepare students for life after high school.

At the heart of it all, C5 wants every student in Cocke County to graduate high school feeling confident and ready for what’s next, so they can build bright futures and give back to their community.

Jennifer Ellison is C5’s Director, and Jennifer Hill helps part-time as the Community Engagement Coordinator.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 21

fORBIDDENCAVERNS, near Sevier ville, is oneofAmerica’s most spectacularcaves. It provides thevisitor with an entertainingand educationaltourwalking past sparklingformations, towering natural chimneys, numerous grottosand acrystal-clear stream.Special lighting effects, astereophonic soundpresentationand well-trained tour guides combinetomakethisamostenjoyableexperience.Thetrailsarc welllighted,withhandrailsatall necessary points Forbidden Cavernswas anaturalshelterfor earlyinhabitants of this area,especially providingawarmplace to live in thewinter. Amongthese ancientdwellerswerethe Eastern Woodland Indians whoroamedour East Tennesseeforestsand mountainsinsearchofgood huntinggrounds.Chert or flintisfound here in limitedquantitiesand wasused hundreds of years agotofashionarrowheads, scrapers andknives. Arunningstreamwithin thecaverngavethe Indians aconstantsupplyofwater.Scientistsbelieve thesourceofthisstreamtobeanunderground lake locatedunder English Mountain. The cave also contains many unusual anduniqueformationsthat arestill in theprocessofformingand growing. Forbidden Cavernsboaststhe largestwall of rare cave onyx knowntoexist.

An interestingIndianlegendtells thefateofanIndianprincesswho was lostina“hollow mountain of twostreams”. “whichisforbidden.”Duringthe earlytwenties anduntil 1943, thecavewas used to make illegalmoonshine. Forthispurpose,the cave wasanexcellent location.Withthe good water supply mentionedearlier,Moonshinershad availableawellhidden, isolated location,whichwas idealfor themanufacture of their homemade whiskey.

In 1964, agroup of businessand professionalmen beganthe planning andvastundertaking of openingthisnaturalattraction to thepublic. After 3years of excavation anddevelopment,Forbidden Cavernswas opened in June 1967.

OurseasonbeginsApril 1st, Mon-Sat10a.m.- 4p.m., closed Thursday andSunday, andextends throughNovember26th. The average guidedtour is 55 minutes. Free parkingisprovidedfor cars andbuses. In addition,there is asouvenir shopand refreshments

The

COCKE COUNTY SENIOR CENTER

The Cocke County Senior Center, located in the Historic Tanner Building in Newport, works to enhance the lives of the older adults in the community. The center offers a variety of activities, so there is something to get the interest of everyone. In addition to activities, the center offers entertainment, educational programs, recreational programs, nutritious meals and resources to help ensure the older adults in the community can have the best quality of life possible.

It is also a good place to meet new friends with similar interests. It strives to provide a focal point on aging where those 50 and older can come together for activities to enhance socialization, support their independence and encourage community involvement.

The center works to help the older population with various opportunities while helping them stay mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually independent.

Activities include group day trips, crochet class, seasonal events, line dancing, painting classes, ceramic painting, quilting, card games, Tai Chi, bingo, crafting classes, a garden club and computer access.

The center director is Carlene Robinson. The center is funded in part through a contract with the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) and the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Tennessee Commission on Aging along with support from the City of Newport and Cocke County.

The Council on Aging is the local entity for the senior center and is a 501c3 organization. All donations are tax deductible.

To learn more about the senior center, contact Carlene Robinson at (423) 720-9560 or by email at CRobinson@ethra.org. The center is located at 115 Mulberrry Street.

Senior Center Director

Carlene Robinson, center, is shown with Newport Mayor Roland “Trey” Dykes, III, at left, and Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis, at right.

ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE HANDLES

VOTING IN COCKE COUNTY

The Cocke County Election Commission office manages all voter registration in Cocke County and all voter list maintenance; Plans and implements all elections in Cocke County; federal, state, county, and municipal; Provides election information to residents and prospective voters; Maintains candidate and referendum records, including nominating petitions and local campaign finance reports; Complies with all state law and promulgated rules regarding Elections in the State of Tennessee and monitors new legislation and updates for any changes to the law or rules.

Voter Registration, in-person and now online

The Voter Registration Deadline is 30 days before each election. Register to Vote inperson, by mail, or online.

In-person and by-mail: Cocke County Election Commission Office, Courthouse Annex Room 130, 360 E. Main Street, Newport, TN 37821. Open Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. — 4 p.m. Closed all federal and state holidays.

Online: CockeCountyElection.org or GoVoteTN.com.

How do I know if I am registered? I have not voted in several years, am I registered?

Call the election commission office at 423-623-2042 or use the voter lookup tool on GoVoteTN.com. If your status is Inactive, immediately fill out and submit a voter registration application if you still live in Cocke County. Inactive status means that you are on the clock to be removed from the voter rolls

pursuant to state law if we do not hear from you. If you are not registered, it takes less than 10 minutes to fill out a registration application online or in-person.

How do I update my current address with the election commission?

Complete an updated voter registration application online at GoVoteTN.com or inperson at the election commission office.

Do I have to register to vote with the Cocke County Election Commission office if I was registered in another county in Tennessee?

Yes. In Tennessee, voter registration does not automatically transfer from county to county when you move. You must complete and sign an updated voter registration application. When you register to vote, you will receive proof of your Cocke County voter registration in the mail.

Do I have to register by party?

Voters do not choose a party when they register to vote in Tennessee. Voters must declare a party each time they appear to vote in a Primary election; you do it when you sign in to vote or fill out your absentee ballot application.

I have been convicted of a felony. Can I register to vote?

Some persons with a felony conviction may apply to have their voting rights restored. Contact the election commission office directly at 623-2042. Voting rights restoration paperwork should be completed as soon as

possible so, if approved, the individual could have time to register to vote by the deadline.

Can I vote absentee by-mail?

Many voters are eligible to vote absentee by-mail, whether due to being out of town on Election Day, age, disability, caretaker, or several other reasons. Call the election commission office or visit GoVoteTN.com for the complete list. Voters may request an absentee by-mail ballot as early as 90 days before each election but no later than seven days before an election. Voters must sign a request form for each election in which they want to vote absentee by-mail. Exceptions apply for some active military and overseas voters.

What

do I need to vote in-person?

All voters must present a federal or Tennessee state government ID containing the voter’s name and photograph when voting at the polls, whether voting early or on Election Day. An example of a valid photo ID is a Tennessee Driver License. For more information on photo ID requirements, call 623-2042 or visit GoVoteTN.com. The voter registration card is not required to be shown when voting.

Does Tennessee have early voting?

Early Voting in-person is available to all registered Tennessee voters. Early Voting begins 20 days before each election and ends 5 days before each election. The exception is the Presidential Preference Primary, during which early voting ends 7 days before Election Day. Early Voting location and times will be announced before each election.

Where would I vote on election day?

Refer to your voter registration card or proof of registration mailed to you when your voter registration application was approved. The election commission office now prints the address of the election day polling location on each proof of registration. You may also call the office at 423-623-2042 or use the voter lookup tool on GoVoteTN.com. County Election Commission members are Vaughn Moore, chair; Vickie Moore, secretary; Charlotte T. Leibrock, Lelia B. Evans-Osborne and Maci Goddard-Shults. The Administrator of Elections is Josh Blanchard, office staff Dawn Mousseau and Teri Spinks. Blanchard served as the East Tennessee office resident of the Tennessee Association of County Election Officials from 2019 to 2023.

The Election Commission operates with a network of over 100 dedicated Cocke County residents who serve as poll officials during each election, without whom no successful election could be possible.

CONVENIENCE CENTERS AVAILABLE FOR GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Cocke County maintains a system of convenience centers throughout the county for residents to dispose of their garbage and bring recyclables such as paper and plastics.

These centers are fenced and supervised by county employees. The centers are open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

The convenience centers accept household garbage, each center has recycling bins for paper, plastic and aluminum. Each center has receptacles for used motor oil, oil filters, transmission fluid and used cooking oil.

Each citizen is allowed to bring up to four tires to the convenience center without being charged. Any citizen can bring up to four tires to the convenience center without a charge. Any additional tires are weighed and the fee is $165 per ton.

Construction debris, roofing shingles, old furniture and mattresses are allowed in the landfill. No brush or tree limbs are allowed in the landfill.

Those wishing to dispose of construction debris should haul this to the landfill located in Irish Cut Community off Highway 25/70 east of Newport.

The Irish Cut Convenience Center is also where the landfill is located at 1160 Old Asheville Highway and is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. The telephone number is (423) 623-6498.

These services are provided for Cocke County citizens only. Convenience Centers will accept no garbage, waste tires, construction debris or any waste from out of county.

Convenience Centers are located at: Rankin (269 Clay Hill Road), 1470

Highway 25/70, 965 Morrell Springs Road, Cosby (3887 Cosby Highway), Wilton Springs (606 Wilton Springs Road), Raven’s Branch (2315 Old Fifteenth Road),

and

Holt Town Road).

NEWPORT UTILITIES HAS SERVED COCKE COUNTY SINCE 1940

Newport Utilities has been serving Cocke County since 1940 as Cocke County’s supplier of electric power. NU also provides water and sewer services in the city and certain areas of the county. NU’s administration offices are located

at 170 Cope Boulevard, just off West Broadway (Hwy 25/70) at the entrance to the Cocke County Industrial Park.

Customers are offered several Payment Options, including an outdoor kiosk located between the Main Office

& LCU which takes cash, debit/credit cards, and e-checks; Drive-thru window service for check and cash customers, as well as making payments online, through the SmartHub payment app available 24/7 for both Android and

Apple, or by calling 877-779-8581. Inside, NU customer service representatives handle requests for New Services, assist with service questions and issues, take payments and answer billing questions and

Del Rio (2990 East Highway 25/70), Parrottsville (2061 Canary Drive), Bogard (3136 Bogard Road)

Centerview (2474

The Hwy. 25/70 convenience center in Newport.

provide information on various programs through Newport Utilities and in partnership with TVA.

NU serves over 22,000 electric customers. A state-of-the-art computer system allows the utility to quickly respond to power outages. The modern wastewater treatment plant, located in the industrial park, serves nearly 5,000 customers. Its operation has won several regional excellence awards. The water treatment plant, which draws its water from the French Broad River, provides water to over 11,000 customers and has the capacity to treat six million gallons of water per day, meeting or exceeding water quality standards.

NUconnect Broadband delivers broadband internet, video and voice services over a proprietary fiber network. More than half of NU’s electric customers have access to this fiberrich broadband system, including many neighborhoods that never had broadband access before.

Michael Williford is the general manager of the utility.

For more information, call Newport Utilities at 423-625-2800.

Me et Your Le galOfficials proudtos er ve our communitie s!

As your Legal Officials,our doors arealwaysopen. We

We areproud thatyou believeinusenoughtoallow us to serveinthe positionsoftrust. Thank youfor your continued support.

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE EXTENSION

UT Extension serves the citizens of Cocke County with educational programs in the areas of agriculture, family and consumer sciences, community resource development and 4-H youth development. It is an outreach branch of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and Tennessee State University, providing research-based solutions and information to the citizens of Tennessee.

Sarah Orr has served as the county director since 2019. The current staff, in addition to Orr, consists of Lena GeFellers and Lane Brooks, both 4-H youth development agents, Amanda Huggins, the Family and Consumer Sciences agent, Stephanie Maples, the Tennessee Nutrition and Consumer Education program assistant, which is funded through Federal nutrition grant dollars, and Administrative Assistant Lisa Justice.

The most visible of the programs in the Extension office is 4-H. The youth component of Extension reaches hundreds of youth, providing them with citizenship and leadership development opportunities. Programs like livestock judging and 4-H Chick Chain are just a few of the ways they provide opportunities for youth to develop life skills. The 4-H horse program, led by volunteers, is a very active part of the 4-H program. This group competes and has won in various eastern region and state competitions.

Recently, the Honor Club and Project Night have engaged more youth in service to their communities as well.

With Brooks now on board, the 4-H program expanded to include livestock show projects, demonstration contests, and more career development opportunities, just to name a few.

4-H Adventure Day Camps are local opportunities open to all youth in addition to the more traditional 4-H camp hosted each summer in Greenville. Adventure Day Camps include many outdoor activities like rafting, horseback riding, as well as cooking, STEM and more. Anyone interested in signing their child up for Adventure Day Camps or any other camps offered, can call the Extension office at (423) 623-7531.

The major focus of the Family and Consumer Sciences programming is parenting, nutrition and health. Classes include co-parenting courses, which are mandated for divorcing parents with minor children, healthy eating classes and food preservation. Special highlights include the new cardio drumming class as well as a new series called “Savor the World” to be conducted in the newly remodeled mobile teaching kitchen, a unique asset only available to Cocke County citizens.

A perk of the FCS program in Newport is the testing of pressure canner gauges to ensure user safety. TNCEP programming provides nutrition education to specific clientele as well

as nutrition programming to youth in county schools.

The programming in agriculture consists of the master beef program, freezer beef institute, home garden classes, small scale agriculture courses and many other educational opportunities.

The agriculture agent also provides Cocke County producers, homeowners and landowners, with up-to-date information on insect, disease and weed control in their gardens, crops, lawns and homes as well as planning agriculture enterprises on their property.

The agriculture agent assists with the counties’ livestock producers in applying for cost sharing through the Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program (TAEP). Extension offers a variety of programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, and family and consumer sciences for all citizens of Cocke County. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

For more questions concerning Extension programs in Cocke County, contact Sarah Orr at sorr6@utk.edu or (423) 623-7531.

Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu.

NEWPORT HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Newport Housing Authority has 400 units in eight apartment complexes that it rents out to eligible low-income residents. Some are family units, and others are for the elderly/disabled.

Rent, which is based on income levels, includes all utilities. Maintenance is also provided free-of- charge.

The main NHA office, where applications for housing can be picked up, is located at 440 Lennon Circle.

Each applicant must provide an original driver’s license, birth certificate and Social Security card. For every child, a birth certificate or documentation that these have been applied for must be provided.

The phone number for the office is 423623-1575.

The 400 units are located on 12 streets scattered in different locations within Newport’s city limits. The Newport Housing Authority enforces a zero drug tolerance policy.

Me et Your County Offi cials

CockeC ounty, Tennessee, is governed by adedicated groupoflocal officials whoplaya vitalroleinthe county’s developmentand well-being.Thecounty’s electedofficialsare responsiblefor managing public services,overseeinglocal infrastructureprojects, andensuringthatresources areallocated effectively to meet thecommunity’s needs. Theycollaborate with stateagencies, local organizations, andother stakeholderstopromoteeconomic growth,improve public safety,and enhanceeducation. These leadersare committed to creating athrivingcommunity through thoughtful planningand responsive governance.Their combined efforts aim to addressthe county’s challengeswhile improving thequality of lifefor allits citizens.

Mitch Fine Cocke County Trustee

It's an honor and privilege for myself and my staff to serve the citizens of Cocke County .Thank you for your continued support .

CO CKE CO UNT Y SH ERIFF C.J.BALL

Iappreciate the supportofthe people of CockeCounty. I will work hard to see ourcountyreach its full potential&ensure that we have aSheriff’s Office that youcan be p proud of.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS, PROMOTES AND IMPROVES BUSINESS CLIMATE

The Chamber of Commerce of the Cocke County Partnership is the support arm that provides our local businesses and professionals with a way to work together to help promote and improve the business climate in Cocke County.

The Chamber of Commerce achieves this goal in many ways. Our main vehicle involves offering members numerous networking opportunities throughout the year including the popular monthly Chamber Member Breakfast, Connection Lunch and beginning in 2025 a quarterly Coffee Talk. We have educational seminars throughout the year and provide advertising in our bi-weekly e-magazine, the Member Spotlight and Directory page on the Chamber website. We provide member referrals, emails to keep you up to date on pertinent business information, member pricing at Partnership events and increased visibility in the chamber office and on social media. We also provide

grand openings/ribbon cutting services for all chamber members free of charge. In addition, we have a professional staff to assist you and provide support for you and your business.

We also provide numerous community events throughout the year. The Chamber of Commerce initiated a summer concert series along the Riverwalk in Downtown Newport, drawing folks to the beautiful backdrops of the Pigeon River. We annually present a women’s luncheon, Leading Ladies of Cocke County, that is becoming an enormous hit and our popular Legislative Breakfast. The Chamber of Commerce organizes the Newport Harvest Street Festival, which draws thousands of visitors to downtown Newport and stimulates the local business economy. Over the years the event has grown, making it one of the most anticipated events in the county and it has frequently voted Best Festival in the

area. On the first Friday each December we also organize and host the annual Newport Christmas Parade. After moving this to a nighttime parade, we revamped Christmas in the City, an event to support business in downtown Newport prior to the parade. These events provide a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season. Our entire staff works very hard to guarantee the success of these events and we invite the community to come to enjoy and support these wonderful events.

The Chamber of Commerce also believes that local business owners/managers are the best marketing tools each business possesses; therefore, our Chamber of Commerce strives to give these individuals a different avenue of promotion with the community and regionally. One way we support small businesses, is our promotion on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday and all through November and December. We partner with our members

with fun and exciting opportunities to show the importance and value of shopping locally while promoting and increasing holiday sales. We encourage all members to become involved in these events to help promote and grow their businesses as well as becoming involved to work together to make Cocke County a better place to live, work and play. Visit the Chamber of Commerce office at 115 Mulberry Drive, Suite 200 in Newport where, often, it is the first place that newcomers to our beautiful area stop to find out what to do and where to go. The Chamber of Commerce office also serves as an informational stop. Through the TSBDC, the Chamber of Commerce offers one-onone business and financial planning for entrepreneurs with a representative that can directly help them with their needs. They offer maps, brochures, business cards and numerous tourism related publications free to citizens and visitors. The staff answers hundreds of inquiries each year about Newport and Cocke County and a plethora of information can be found on the website www.newportcockecountychamber.com.

Lynn Ramsey is Director; Amelie Raines is Member and Events Coordinator and Susan Ball provides support services. The Chamber of Commerce may be reached by calling (423) 623-7201 or via the website at www.newportcockecountychamber.com.

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COCKE COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

Facilitates business, economic and tourism development and small business support

The Cocke County Partnership (CCP) was formed in 2005 to help create synergy for area growth and development. The Partnership comprises the Office of Tourism Development, the Newport/Cocke County Chamber of Commerce and the Newport Economic Development Commission.

Seeking to represent the broad and diverse perspectives of the community, through its board of directors and partnership organizations, the CCP is focused on the improvement of economic conditions and quality of life issues facing our community. The goals are to create and market a positive image for the community and balanced growth for quality of life.

The Partnership’s Board of Directors are George Barton – Chairman, Clay Blazer - Vice Chairman, Clint Hammonds - Secretary and Trevor Cates - Treasurer. Cocke CountyMayor Rob Mathis, Newport Mayor Trey Dykes, Parrottsville Mayor Gayla

Hommel, Jeff Eslinger, James Finchum, Mike Hansel, Ronnie Hommel, Louanna Ottinger, Johnathan Templin and Rick Vassar complete the board.

Staff members in addition to Daryl Brady, President, are EDC Project Coordinator and Office Manager Nicole Shisler, Rural Fellow Derek

TOURISM PROMOTES AND SUPPORTS COUNTY ADVENTURES TO VISITORS

The Cocke County Partnership’s Department of Tourist Development serves as the marketing arm of the Cocke County Partnership. Tourism Director Linda Lewanski works daily to share Cocke County’s amazing story with visitors. Marketing efforts are supported by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, membership in Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council, the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association, Great Smoky Mountains Association, Great Smoky Mountains Regional Greenway Council and contributions from the City of Newport

PARTNERSHIP CONTINUED

From left to right: Economic Development

Project Manager Nicole Shisler, Tourism Director Linda Lewanski, Partnership President Daryl Brady, Chamber of Commerce Director Lynn Ramsey, C-5 Director Jennifer Ellison and Chamber of Commerce Member and Event Coordinator Amelia Raines.

and Cocke County Government.

Lewanski has served as past chair of METTC, and as a board member on Scenic Byways Highway 25 E Committee, as secretary for Keep Cocke County Beautiful and RID (Remove Illegal Dumpsites), board member for East Tennessee Preservation Alliance, former board member of Leadership Cocke County, member of the Stewardship Council for the National Geographic River Valley Geo Tourism project, Public Relations Chairman for KCCB, board member of the Cherokee National Forest’s Resource Advisory Committee,

Driskill, Tourism Director Linda Lewanski, Chamber of Commerce Director Lynn Ramsey, COC Member and Events Coordinator Amelia Raines and Support Services Susan Ball.

The Partnership continues to serve their community and asks you to join them! For more information, call (423) 623-3008.

board member of City of Newport Museum Committer and a board member of East Tennessee Artscapes.

Lewanski said it is important to be a part of a regional partnership.

“Our East Tennessee Partners are special folks, “she said. “Each one of us knows the others’ assets, and we make a special effort to promote the region.”

Lewanski is a Certified Tennessee Tourism Professional, a Tourism Marketing Professional and a Certified Guest Services Professional. She was named Tourism Leader of the Year in 2019 by METTC. In 2019 she

was named NPT’s “Most Community Involved Person,” and in 2021 was named a Governor’s Volunteer Star. In addition, she was recognized as best marketer for Christyfest in 2018 and this year for Best New Event for the Overmountain Rally in Cocke County.

The State’s trail initiative is of special interest to Cocke County.

“We are lucky enough to be on three trails, Rocky Top, White Lightning and Sunnyside,” Lewanski said. “Hundreds of miles of roads are receiving some wonderful showcasing. In addition,

CONTINUE ON PAGE 33

Scenic Byway Highway 25E brings even more attention to our corridors.”

As a member of East Tennessee River Valley GeoTourism MapGuide project, sponsored in part by National Geographic, Lewanski sees many folks interested in the region.

“The MapGuide project has been a great opportunity to showcase our many assets and we look forward to the travelers it will generate. Everyone is

invited to nominate an event or venue to the website. It is a fantastic way to promote your event,” she added.

Rafting continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and around 200,000 folks went down the Pigeon River last year. A concerted effort to brand the county as the Adventure Side of the Smokies is ongoing this year and the Partnership continues to work through a grant from ARC to develop mountain bike trails near the Cherokee National Forest. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development supplements the marketing efforts with a matching marketing grant to the department and ARPA funds have been awarded for marketing efforts.

“It is my distinct pleasure to be able to share Cocke County’s stories with our visitors,” Lewanski said.

Real heritage, real people, real adventure — for your next real adventure give us a holler — 423-625-9675 or visit www.yallvisitthesmokies.com

TOWN OF

PARROTTSVILLE

The Town of Parrottsville is an incorporated town in Cocke County. It is located seven miles north of Newport.

The third-oldest town in Tennessee, Parrottsville dates back to 1769 when it was settled. The town was incorporated in 1923. The town is named after an early settler John Parrott.

The Town Hall is located at 2025 Old Parrottsville Highway. Town hall is open Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 p.m.

until 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The telephone number for town hall is (423) 623-9380.

A board of three commissioners governs Parrottsville. The commissioners vote to determine which commissioner will serve as mayor. Gayla Ann Hommel is currently serving as Parrottsville’s mayor. The commissioners are Ronnie Hommel and Dennis Worley.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION WORKS TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY

The Cocke County Partnership through the Newport/Cocke County Economic Development Commission (EDC) has a stated mission to enhance the community for all.

The EDC has worked to prepare a strategic plan to help identify the areas of need, the opportunities for growth and priorities to our citizens. The EDC recognizes the issues that are faced in our community and has put forth a plan of preparation.

The current plan has three primary goals: 1) quality job creation; 2) increase new capital investment into the county; and 3) to expand the

overall tax base of our county.

The plan targets five sectors that play a vital role in helping Economic Development achieve its goals. They are 1) the industrial, manufacturing sector; 2) the retail, commercial market; 3) the tourism industry, 4) the residential housing market and 5) the redevelopment of downtown Newport. In addition to the targeted sectors, a primary focus of the EDC is to assist in the development of infrastructure within the city and county (which is currently under expansion).

The EDC had a good year in 2025 bringing in a new industry while

RamseyFurniture

serving the community during hurricane Helene. The EDC office worked with community leaders to start the Cocke County Mountain Strong Relief Fund.

Donations were received from private citizens throughout the United States along with a $1 million donation by Bush Beans. The relief fund has assisted over 194 individuals and businesses within Cocke County. Total funds distributed to date are $1,041,050.64. This money has helped individuals and businesses with the rebuilding process and is currently helping pay property taxes

for individuals affected by the flooding caused by hurricane Helene.

The EDC has overseen the development of the Smoky Mountain Innovation Park, Cocke County’s newest industrial park. Initially the park had two graded pads when Eternal Beverage located its facility to the park. In 2022 Cocke County was awarded $1 million through a Site Development Grant that focused on the grading of further site pads. Through these funds the EDC was able to complete an additional three pad ready sites as of April 2025. Construction continues with a fourth pad site provided by TVA

Invest Prep; a grant totaling $500,000. The fourth site is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. An additional Site Development Grant of $2 mil will help provide infrastructure including sewer and three phase power into the Innovation Park with construction estimated to begin late 2025 or early 2026. The EDC has also been working closely with the U.S. Forest Service on the Halls Top Bike Trails. These trails

were the dream of Senator Lamar Alexander who has provided $6 mil dollars to Cocke County to fund the trail construction. The EDC and U.S. Forest Service are working together in the hopes to start construction in the fall of 2025.

Daryl Brady is president of the Partnership and executive director of Economic Development and Nicole

CONTINUE ON PAGE 36

Shisler is project coordinator. Derek Driskill is the Rural Fellow provided by the State of Tennessee’s Economic & Community Development Department to assist with grants in the county mayor’s office, along with working with the EDC. Approximately one third of the county has been set aside for recreational use; having four national/ state parks and forests and three distinct river systems, there is an abundance of outdoor activities at the doorstep. The challenge is to mesh the two to enhance future economic opportunities to all residents. The EDC works closely with the Industrial Development Board to help facilitate

progress. Officers for the Newport/ Cocke County Industrial Development Board are Chairman Clint Hammonds, Vice Chairman George Barton, Treasurer Linda Wester and Secretary Trevor Cates. Board members include County Mayor Rob Mathis, City Mayor Roland Dykes, III, James Finchum, Mike Hansel, Branden Joynt, Bill Shults, Gayla Blazer, Michelle Lane, Norman Smith and Tracy Stepp.

The IDB Board and Partnership staff are working to benefit the people who call Newport/Cocke County their home. For more information call the EDC office at (423) 623-3008. Or visit our website at www.edcncctn.com.

OneOfNewport’s Most Established Real Estate Companies.

MarieWood,alife-longresidentofCocke County,openedthe companyin1984. Sheisone of themostknowledgeable andexperienced agents in thearea.

KristieSuggs joined hermother’sbusinessin1992. Kristiealsoa life-long resident, said “Theclient’ssatisfaction is ourtop priority.We taketimetolistentotheir needsand desires whetherbuyingorselling.”

ThisyearScenic Realty welcomesBrian Mathis to their staff.

Scenic Realty has been awardedTheNewport PlainTalk Best Real EstateAgenc yaward multiple yearsand appreciates thepeoplefor trusting them with their real estate buying andsellingneedsinthe area.

Theyare membersofthe National Association of Realtors,Lakeway Association of Realtors andmultiplelisting service.They usemultiple onlineweb sitesfor advertisingtheir services. Scenic Realty offers regularphotographs forlistingsand nowalsooffers dronephotography forlistings.

With their combined 74 years’ experience in therealestatemarket, Scenic Realty will be your best assetinmakinga smartand economic real estate choice.They have been providinghomebuyersand sellers with trusted supportand service forover41years andwilldothe same foryou.

“Throughthe years, we have hadalot of referralsfromour previous customers.Their praise lets us know that we aredoing agood job,” endedWood.

COCKE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM STRIVES HIGHER

The Cocke County School System continues to strive for higher excellence, building on a continued advancement to become one of the leading school systems in Tennessee.

The Cocke County School System is under the leadership of Director of Schools Manney Moore. Moore says, “Our continuing goal to provide our children with the best educational opportunities to prepare them for productive futures remains the system’s driving force and focus.”

Composing the Cocke County School System are nine elementary schools: Bridgeport, Centerview, Cosby, Del Rio, Edgemont, Grassy Fork, Northwest, Parrottsville, and Smoky Mountain, and two secondary schools, Cocke County High School and Cosby High School. Additionally funds provide tutoring and intervention programs for K-12, as well as family engagement activities and events.

Students at each high school have access to Career Technical Education classes at Ben W. Hooper Vocational

School (CCHS) and Raymond Large

Vocational School (CHS). Additionally, the Cocke County Adult High School provides services to returning adult students who want to either complete their graduation requirements or obtain a GED.

The Cocke County Alternative Education Program includes Adult Education (GED) prep, the Adult High School, and basic literacy classes, the Graduation Alternative Program (GAP), and the Cocke County Alternative School.

All Cocke County schools meet the requirements to receive Title I funding. Utilizing ‘school-wide’ programs, funds are used to provide personnel to reduce the overall teacher-student ratios for the schools. Currently, over forty personnel are employed with Title I funding. Title I funds also provide substantial materials and equipment to support the academic programs of the schools.

With an emphasis on technology, Title I funds have been utilized for wireless computer labs, iPads, and Promethean

boards. Additionally, funds provide tutoring and intervention programs for K-12.

A high priority of the system is to ensure that all teachers are highly qualified and that both certified and classified staff have access to professional development opportunities necessary to be highly effective. Including teachers and administrators, the system employs just under 400 certified personnel. Two Title I instructional coaches, one full-time and one part-time, along with one full-time Read To Be Ready instructional coach, serve the elementary schools.

The Cocke County School System enjoys positive and beneficial partnerships with several outside entities. Save the Children provides in-school and after-school literacy programs at Bridgeport, Cosby Elementary, Edgemont, and Northwest. High school students have access to dual enrollment courses through an agreement with Walters State Community College. Save the Children (STC) provides in-school and after-school literacy programs at

Bridgeport, Cosby Elementary, Edgemont, and Northwest.

The Family Resource Center serves as a liaison between parents, the school system, and the community.

Cocke County’s Naval Junior ROTC program has earned state and national honors this year. Housed at CCHS and open to students at both CCHS and CHS, the group is highly visible in the community as they perform countless hours of volunteer service. Also a highlight of the school system, both the high school band and chorus students have been recognized at multiple levels as both individuals and groups for outstanding performances. The Cocke County School System’s Central Office is located at 305 Hedrick Drive, Newport, TN 37821 and can be reached at 423-623-7821 or fax 423625-3947. The Cocke County Schools Professional Development Center is located at 601 West Broadway in Newport. The system’s website is cockecountyschools.org/.

Cocke County High School

NEWPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL HAS LONG, DISTINGUISHED HISTORY

For over a century, Newport Grammar School has overlooked downtown Newport from its position atop Mims Avenue. First opened in 1898, NGS has the distinction of being the oldest elementary school in Tennessee in continuous operation.

Conscious of its history and reputation, NGS proudly acknowledges its stellar past while embracing the future. It remains as one of Tennessee’s few one-school systems.

Overseen by the Newport Board of Education, NGS averages enrollment of over 675 students in grades PreK-8, while also serving additional children in NGS Little Warriors Pre-School.

Dr. Justin Norton is the director of schools. Dustin Morrow serves as principal and Ron Coffey is assistant principal.

Jan Brooks chairs the board. Other members are vice chair Mickey Powers, Seth Butler, David Perryman and Nathan Vernon.

In order to improve their instructional skills, they attend numerous professional development sessions, seminars, and other training opportunities. A low teacher-student ratio contributes to better educational opportunities.

Research-based instruction, teacher collaboration, technology, coordinated school health, and family engagement are present areas of concentration for the school.

The school has expanded six times since its initial construction, the most recent project being the addition of a primary building for 300-plus students in grades Pre-K-2.

In addition to the traditional studies of math, science, social studies, and language arts, auxiliary classes, such as music, art, physical education, library, guidance,

technology, STEM lab, special education, and gifted and enrichment program are also offered. Two guidance counselors, a school psychologist, a full-time speech therapist, and part-time physical and occupational therapists are available.

NGS students in grades K-8 each have access to individual Chromebooks as well as two computer labs.

Kathy Ragan, RN, serves as a full-time school nurse. Additionally, the Charlotte J. Mims onsite clinic managed by Newport Pediatrics, PC, opened in 2022. The clinic serves students.

Nutritious breakfasts and lunches are served daily in the school cafeteria. For over seven years, the school has offered universal free breakfast to all students.

All NGS staff members wear identification badges for security purposes. Video surveillance cameras operate 24 hours per day. All doors are locked during the school day. Additional security cameras and other safety measures are in place to help

maintain a safe environment for students and staff. In the event of a critical situation, a Crisis Management team stands ready. Regular fire and safety drills are conducted.

NGS students have the opportunity to enjoy clubs and organizations, including choir, the Historical Association, Green Team, Junior Beta Club, Modern Woodmen Jr/Sr, Drama Club, 4-H Club, Hiking Club, Builders Club, band, Warrior Patrol and Annual Staff.

After-school and summer study and enrichment sessions are provided. Athletics continue to play an integral part in the lives of NGS students. The Newport Grammar School Warriors basketball team recorded the honor of the school’s first state championship title during the 2021 season. For more information about Newport Grammar School, call 423-623-3811 or visit the school’s website at www. newportgrammar.org.

MANES

FUNERAL HOME ASSISTS FAMILIES

Manes Funeral Home, Inc., 363 E. Main St., Newport recently celebrated its 50th year of serving Cocke County.

It is a locally owned and privately held corporation. Christopher L. Austin serves as president.

Manes Funeral Home employs 14 full and parttime staff members, who stand ready to assist families in any way during times of loss. Their funeral directors are licensed to serve both Tennessee and North Carolina residents.

Manes Funeral Home is a full service provider, offering traditional funerals as well as cremation services and pre-need insurance.

They offer caskets, vaults, urns, registry sets, videos, portraits, and numerous other services. For more information, call 423-623- 6952, or visit its website at www. manesfuneralhome.com.

A s our Cit O fficials, our doors are alwa s open. We encourage ever one to contac t us whenever we can answer a question or be of ser vice.

Manes Funeral Home located at 363 E. Main Street.

CARSON-NEWMAN OFFERS LOCAL HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Carson-Newman University, a Christian, private, liberal arts institution, is located in Jefferson City, 25 miles east of Knoxville. Carson-Newman offers a campus of stately white-columned buildings on rolling, grassy hills close to Cherokee Lake and near the Great Smoky Mountains.

Carson-Newman has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or

university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. Carson-Newman has also been recognized by Washington Monthly as one of the top ten liberal arts colleges in the nation. The University’s reputation is born from its commitment to Christian excellence and academic rigor as manifested through 50 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, counseling, education, nursing, social justice, and theology.

In the early 1840s, a number of Baptist leaders in East Tennessee desired to offer better prepared ministers to area congregations. The East Tennessee Baptist Educational Society, which was comprised of two groups with a common interest, applied in 1850 for a charter to establish an institution of higher learning. Afforded the use of a local church building, Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary opened to students

in the fall of 1851. The Tennessee Legislature granted the school’s charter in December of that year.

As noted in their founding documents, the founders possessed a twofold intent: “to promote education in general, and among the ministry in particular.” Over time, that ideal has become the institution’s DNA of Christian service as evidenced in student volunteers as well as in the lives of alumni.

The institution produced its first graduate, Richard Scruggs, in 1855. Manifesting the ideal of “education in general,” Scruggs went on to become a physician. The following year, the second graduating class reaffirmed the school’s mission by producing a lawyer and a minister, in that order.

The 1889 merger of men’s and women’s institutions made CarsonNewman an early entrant in coeducation in the region. Throughout its history, the institution has instilled a deep commitment to service in its students. The fruits of its labor, its alumni, have filled schoolrooms, courthouses, hospitals, boardrooms, pulpits, and mission fields the world over in spreading the lessons of Carson-Newman’s motto of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.

Servant leadership programs abound on

campus. Carson-Newman’s Bonner Center annually oversees some 40,000 hours of community service by students. Since 1984, Appalachian Outreach and its volunteers have performed hundreds of home repair projects throughout the region. Each year Baptist Campus Ministries sends out more than 300 fall and spring break volunteers to serve not only across Tennessee, but also nationally and internationally. Because of such efforts, Carson-Newman was recognized in 2012, earning the Presidential Award in the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a university can receive for its involvement in community service. Global education and broadening students’ horizons are staples of the Carson-Newman experience. Scores of international students study at CarsonNewman each year while others travel from campus to study abroad. Recent experiences abroad have included trips

to Australia, China, Costa Rica, France, Great Britain, Haiti, Ireland, Israel, Jordan and South Africa.

On October 18, 2012, CarsonNewman College’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to begin the process of changing the institution’s name to “Carson-Newman University.” The move was made to more accurately describe the institution and its offerings both at home and abroad. The name change became official on February 11, 2013. Though the institution’s name has changed, its mission remains unwavering. Its heritage is tailor-fit to the vision of Dr. O’Brien: “C-N’s future will be built on the twin pillars of academic rigor and Christian excellence.”

Carson-Newman students learn to think, to write, to read well, and to present and enter into the give and take of argument so as to become educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders.

Thanks againtoour valued customers forthe double honors youbestowed on us this year in the People’s ChoiceAwards.Your selection of us as Best CarDealership andBest CarDealership Service Department confirms our commitment to provide youwiththe continuedtop levelserviceinthe area.

NEWPORT MEDICAL CENTER IS A CORNERSTONE

Tennova Healthcare — Newport Medical Center provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with more than 78,000 patient encounters across its network of physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care. In addition to delivering safe, quality, compassionate healthcare, the health system is helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations and contributing to the area economy. In its most recent Community Benefit Report, Newport Medical Center’s impact totaled an estimated $55 million in 2024.

“Our work to grow and enhance the medical services we provide

is ongoing, as we continuously improve our safety and quality and support access to healthcare for our community,” said Scott Williams, chief executive officer of Newport Medical Center. “From providing care to our most vulnerable residents to supporting local charitable organizations, we are proud to make an impact on the health, well-being and quality of life in Cocke County.”

Newport Medical Center’s emergency room provides lifesaving, medically necessary care at more than 23,000 patient encounters each year, treating all patients regardless of their ability to pay. In 2024,

Newport Medical Center provided more than $29 million in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need of secure medications and medical support devices.

The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter drive for Feed My Sheep Ministries and contributions to charitable organizations such as Cocke County Isaiah 117 House, Newport Rescue

Squad and Fire Departments and the American Strides for Breast Cancer. Newport Medical Center gives back to the community throughout the year. To enhance patient care and expand healthcare access, Newport Medical Center is investing in medical services, facilities and technologies. Capital projects in 2024 totaled approximately $571,000 and included a new 64 Slice CT with cardiac imaging.

The hospital also took steps to strengthen neurology services by onboarding neurologist, Dr. Annette Goodman. This means specialized care for neurological conditions such as migraines, epilepsy, stroke, and

Tennova Healthcare Newport Medical Center

neurodegenerative diseases closer to home. General surgery services have also been strengthened through the recruitment of Dr. Evan Foulke and Dr. Mariah Beasley. General surgery providers to support timely access to essential surgical care, particularly for emergency situations and common procedures like appendectomies, hernia repairs, and gallbladder removals. With more surgeons available, patients can receive quicker diagnoses, treatment, and recovery, reducing wait times and improving outcomes.

“We are strategically applying our resources to help area residents have access to the care they need close to home,” said CEO Williams. “These investments, along with our outstanding medical staff and

employees, support our delivery of high quality medical care and services for a positive patient experience.”

Newport Medical Center is one of the community’s larger employers with a payroll of more than $23 million. Support for the future healthcare workforce includes training the next generation of medical professionals. In addition to supporting the local economy through job creation, Newport Medical Center paid approximately $2.6 million in taxes in 2024, monies that support local infrastructure and civic resources.

Newport Medical Center offers a free monthly e-newsletter with health and wellness tips for all ages. Sign up at www.tennovanewport.com/ enewsletter-sign-up.

COCKE COUNTY OFFERS ADULT EDUCATION

The Dr. Hobart Ford Sr. Adult Education Center is located at 345 Hedrick Drive and is adjacent to Wellington Place. All classes are free, and students have two options for obtaining a high school credential.

First, adult students (at least 18 years of age) may pursue a high school diploma through the Cocke County Adult High School. The adult high school follows the Cocke County school

system calendar and operating hours (Mondays-Fridays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Also, other adults may prepare for a Tennessee High School Equivalency through the adult education program. This program is available for students who wish to attend classes that prepare them to pass an equivalency exam. For more information, call 423-613-0032.

COSBY REAL ESTATE SERVES REGION

Cosby Real Estate, Inc. serves not only the Cocke and Sevier county areas that make up the community known as Cosby, but all of both counties, as well as the surrounding region.

Having provided real estate services since the 1980s, the professional staff is experienced in all phases of residential properties and understands that the needs of retirees might be very different from the demands of a young family.

They are knowledgeable about the opportunities that vacation rental homes offer. Then can help guide you into making an informed decision that suits both your personal and financial situations.

The purchase of undeveloped land, either for

private use or future development, has unique concerns, and the Cosby Real Estate staff has considerable experience with these requirements.

They are willing to help guide you through the county planning commission to avoid costly mistakes. Owner/broker Glen Beasley is dedicated to promoting both the unsurpassed beauty of the area and to helping sellers realize their full potential for their homes and lands.

They have been fortunate to have associates working with them that know the area and are committed to serving clients with integrity.

The office number for Cosby Real Estate is 423487-2705. It is located at 4871 Hooper Highway (U.S. Highway 321), in Cosby.

COSBYCHURCHOFCHRIST

Sunday 10AM, 5PMWednesday 6PM Olie Williamson, minister Romans16:16

COUNTY REC DEPARTMENT PAIRS DIRECTOR’S PASSION WITH PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES

Scottie Thornton has overseen the Cocke County Parks and Recreation Department as director since August of 2020.

In that time, the department has continued to do what it has always done — serve kids and families with a plethora of different activities from its address at 466 Learning Way in Newport.

“I love seeing smiles on kids’ faces,” said Thornton. “The opportunity came to be the interim director in 2020, so I did. I love working with kids — that’s my passion.”

That passion has driven Thornton to maintain the center’s annual events, which take place during the center’s weekly hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.

But the same passion has also helped Thornton establish some benefits that hold deeper meaning for the community.

In non-sports matters, the center hosts birthday parties and company events.

There has also been the spring’s annual Easter egg hunt, which was a partnership event between the department and Northport Baptist Church.

It also hosted a Save the Children event with Zoo Knoxville, as well as a Daddy/ Daughter and Mother/Son dance in partnership with Isaiah House.

“We do it to help the families,” said Thornton. “A lot of these kids, I knew. I’d love to have a benefit for something positive for once, but it’s for these families, and I know them all. It’s heartbreaking.”

Thornton’s passion and love for his community was the driving factor behind that benefit, just as his passion is the reason for his holding the job in the first place.

In the fall and winter, parents can sign

their children up for flag football, as well as basketball that is co-ed from 4 to 6 years old.

Upon reaching age 7, children are separated into boys and girls teams for the 7-8 division.

There is also a 9-10 division and an 11-12 division, capping the ages for a sport that Thornton said had approximately 360 kids playing this year.

Also, in the past two years, the center has begun offering middle school United soccer for girls in fourth through eighth grades.

The spring brings tee-ball for boys and girls, coach pitch for boys and girls and softball for girls ages 9-12.

There is also a middle school boys united team for fourth through eighth grades (added just this year), and the center also hosts practices for the county’s AAU teams, the Stunners — a group that Thornton started approximately 10 years ago.

Other recreational options and duties that are handled by the center:

Manages and maintains the softball fields located at each school as well as the Irish Cut Park and Playground.

Hosts recreational basketball opportunities in the winter, Little League Softball programs in the spring and Flag Football programs in the fall. Adult basketball and softball programs are also offered.

The center will soon offer girls volleyball too, as the county and city recreation departments have partnered for the new venture.

The county rec department will offer the sport for girls at and above the age of 11, while the city rec department will handle girls volleyball for girls ages 10 and under.

Regardless of sport, Thornton said the goal

of the recreation center’s athletics is simple: teach fundamentals.

“Every level is a training level to get you better for the next one you go to,” he said. “When you leave rec ball and go to elementary, I hope coaches have taught enough fundamentals that they can go compete and do well.”

Altogether, the department’s efforts have ranged far and wide in bringing different options and events for children and families to enjoy.

For more information, please call the Cocke County Recreation Department, 423-623-6769.

JEFFERSON COCKE COUNTY UTILITY DISTRICT SERVES THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS

Jefferson Cocke County Utility District (JCCUD) serves two counties with propane and natural gas and provides gas appliances and installation for more than 13,975 customers: residential, business/ commercial and industrial.

The American Public Gas Association recognized JCCUD as one of only 52 public gas utilities in the US receiving the System Operational Achievement Recognition: SOAR Award. SOAR honors natural gas distribution utilities that demonstrate commitment to excellence in System Integrity, System Improvement, Employee Safety and Workforce Development.

JCCUD has offices in Newport with drive-through services at Highway 25E, and in Jefferson City off Highway 11E. It has been serving customers for more than 60 years and is still growing while working to serve more residents with low cost, efficient natural and propane gas.

Overseeing the $59 million in plant / pipeline assets is a five-member board of commissioners consisting of Rusty

James, Blake Briggs, Robert Overholt, Matthew Morris and Sharon Hayes. Clint Hammonds is general manager.

The board meets monthly on the fourth Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Newport office.

Because of the demand for its clean, efficient fuel the utility has tripled in size since 1990. Gas line expansions include Newport, Jefferson City, Dandridge, White Pine, Parrottsville and Baneberry.

The district has been a national award winner for its safety programs and earned national safety awards more than 20 times.

Residential growth in Cocke and Jefferson counties has added more gas customers, with propane service popular. The utility added to its available propane storage and has about 275,000 gallons.

Annual propane sales average 1.7 million gallons. The stable cost of propane has helped the utility increase its customer base to over 5,200.

To serve non-route customers and campers with propane cylinders, the

Newport office has a modern walk-in propane fill station behind the main office. It is open Monday – Thursday at 7:30 a.mm until 4:15 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

JCCUD offers online bill payment at www.jccud.com . Office hours are Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For a service representative, call 423623-3069 in Newport or 865-475-7911 in Jefferson City. Gas utility information at www.jccud.com for your convenience. Call 811 before you dig.

HEALTH COUNCIL PROMOTES

ACCESSIBILITY OF QUALITY HEALTHCARE

This local networking and projectoriented group was established in 1991. Its mission is to collaborate with community members and organizations to promote and improve the overall health and wellbeing of those who live and work in Cocke County.

The Cocke County Health Council

(CCHC) consists of healthcare providers, social service workers, teachers, mental health professionals, representatives of community agencies, organizations and volunteers.

CCHC partners with the Cocke County Health Department and other agencies in promoting a healthier Cocke County.

US BANK OFFERS SERVICE

US Bank offers hometown service with products and services of larger financial institutions.

Before becoming US Bank in 2002, Merchant Planters Bank had served Newport and Cocke County since the 1880s.

US Bank offers a variety of services, including mortgages, auto loans, checking and savings accounts, student loans, financial planning and online and mobile banking.

“We try to have the financial products and services to meet everyone’s needs,” said

a bank spokesman. “We have a financial planner and are able to offer a lot of diversified products.”

US Bank, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., is the fifth largest bank in the United States.

US Bank’s Newport branch is located at 301 E. Main St. in Newport.

Lobby and drive-up hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about US Bank in Newport, call 423-613-1580.

CCHC’s crisis response team was established in order to respond to a potential crisis in schools and the community. It is a collaborative effort between mental health professionals, guidance counselors, pastors, law enforcement, healthcare providers and interested citizens. The response team

connects and plans training sessions to be ready to offer support and/or crisis debriefing in the event of a crisis. It was initially organized after a student suicide and accidental death of a young person in the community.

CCHC meets monthly. For more information, call (423) 487-5505.

RURAL MEDICAL SERVICES SERVING COCKE & JEFFERSON COUNTIES

Rural Medical Services, Inc. (RMS) is

a Community Health Center serving the people of Cocke and Jefferson Counties and surrounding areas. RMS has six primary care clinics conveniently located in:

• Newport: 229 Hedrick Drive (423) 623-1057

• Cosby: 103 Wilton Springs Road (423) 487-2222

• Parrottsville: 111 Mockingbird Lane 423) 625-1170

• Grassy Fork: 4621 Big Creek Road (423) 487-2249

• Dandridge: 3222 Chestnut Hill Road (865) 509-6611

• Jefferson City: 1413 Russell Avenue (865) 471-5525

RMS’ comprehensive health services are available in both Spanish and English and include prenatal care and delivery at the newly renovated Birthing Center at the Tennova Newport Medical Center. Other services include integrated behavioral health, well child checks, immunizations, family

planning, diabetes education, case management, care coordination and sick care.

At RMS we care for the entire family and strive to ensure that each patient is able to access the services they need.

A patient centered medical home model

A “patient centered medical home” is a medical office/clinic where a team of health care professionals works together to provide evidence-based care for each patient. Rural Medical Services, Inc. provides primary care for the people of Cocke, Jefferson and surrounding counties in Tennessee.

RMS’ family practice physicians and nurse practitioners are board certified and trained as specialists in evidence-based care. RMS also offers behavioral health services to all patients. Behavioral health providers are located on-site at three locations to help in a whole person, patient-centered approach. Our patient-centered approach offers the combination of a traditional style family doctor assisted by a team of medical professionals with up to date technology, including a patient portal

where patients can communicate with their physician/care team and check lab results via the internet.

RMS’s role as a trusted home health care team

• Provide a safe and healthy healthcare environment.

• Partner with you in making your healthcare decisions.

• Coordinate care with you, your authorized representatives and other healthcare providers.

• Keep you informed and on-track by providing selfcare management support, preventative care, health resources, health coaching and tailored care.

TENNESSEE STATE BANK A FULL-SERVICE BANK

Tennessee State Bank has been locally owned and operated since opening in 1972 with 15 branch locations. Tennessee State Bank is a full-service community bank serving Sevier, Knox, Jefferson and Cocke Counties.

Tennessee State Bank recently opened a new branch in Newport, located at 575 West Broadway, joining its other Cocke County branch, located at 107 Epley Road in Newport, near the Lowe’s shopping complex. The checking accounts at Tennessee State Bank come with a variety of no cost and convenient services such as Online Banking with Bill Pay, Mobile App Banking, Mobile Check Deposit and e-statements. Exclusively for Tennessee State Bank checking and savings account customers, account owners may add Benefits Plus® to their existing or new account for a low monthly fee. With Benefits Plus®, customers can enroll in Ultimate IDTM, a powerful Identity Theft Solutions program and can receive travel discounts, national retailer and restaurant discounts, and more.

Tennessee State Bank credit card and debit card customers have the option to choose a beautiful card featuring the Great Smoky Mountains or a Patriotic theme as stunningly portrayed by artist Robert A. Tino. For an annual contribution of only $10, you may elect to carry this card to show your support of local non-profit organizations.

The Smoky Mountains Cards benefit the Friends of the Smokies; an organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Patriot Cards benefit the Smoky

Mountain Service Dogs; a non-profit organization that trains puppies to provide mobility assistance to our wounded veterans. One hundred percent of the contributions collected are given to the organization represented on the card selected.

Tennessee State Bank debit card customers may choose a School Spirit debit card, featuring the colors of Cocke County High School or Cosby High School for an annual contribution of $10. One hundred percent of the contributions collected will be given to the school of choice.

For the young at heart, Tennessee State Bank has a very active Super Partner Travel program for friends age 50 or better. Super Partner members can enjoy the savings and security of group travel with a variety of destinations. In addition to travel, the program offers seminars and luncheons at area venues.

If home improvements, a new car or a family vacation is on your mind, Tennessee State Bank has several options to finance your dreams. Tennessee State Bank is offering Shortcut Loans. Shortcut Loans are exclusively for customers of TSB that have a checking or savings account of 6 months or more.

Shortcut Loans are unsecured consumer and business loans. These loans offer an expedited process so you can get your funds fast. These loans are based on your deposit relationship and credit information; no additional proof of income is required.

More than banking, Tennessee State Bank serves as a partner in the community. In addition to monetary support, staff

members of the bank are neighbors, church members, coach children’s sports teams, and assist with many organizations dedicated to better health and care of those most vulnerable in their community.

Tennessee State Bank is open Monday

through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday until 6 p.m. The drive-thru opens at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. You may also visit the bank’s website at www. tnstatebank.com. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

Tennessee State Bank recently opened a new branch in Newport, located at 575 West Broadway Street.

NEWPORT FEDERAL BANK

SERVING YOU SINCE 1934

Newport Federal Bank is the oldest locally owned financial institution in Cocke County.

Established in 1934, Newport Federal Bank is a leading mortgage lender that continues to grow and serve. It opened its new main office in 2005 at 170 West Broadway.

Over the years Newport Federal Bank evolved from its original role as a savings and loan institution to a full-service modern bank with branches, ATM’s, and internet banking through newportfederalbank.com for customers to access their accounts at any time and transfer funds to make payments or pay bills.

The bank also boasts a voice response system which answers inquiries, helps customers with transfers and provides histories. That number is 1-800-516-3476. Patrons that need to report a lost or stolen card can call 1-833-337-6075.

Newport Federal Bank continues to help hundreds of people become homeowners and/or save for their financial needs and future retirements. The bank is known for keeping its mortgages in Newport as an advantage to its customers. “We strive to keep our rates stable and loans affordable,” he said.

Newport Federal Bank has a full service product line.

Newport Federal Bank employees take pride in their community involvement through their volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Club, March of Dimes, Cocke County Relay for Life, Cocke County Partnership, and Cocke County EDC. It actively assists local schools and promotes education through its sponsorship of the Adopta-School program for all schools, and provision of supplies for teachers.

RAFTING A POPULAR ACTIVITY FOR SMOKY MOUNTAIN VISITORS

Rafting continues to be a wildly popular activity for Smoky Mountain visitors, and the number of rafters coming to Cocke County has increased significantly since commercial rafting got underway on the Pigeon River in 1995.

Hartford, which is 14 miles south of Newport, is the home to multiple whitewater rafting outposts on the Pigeon River.

The Pigeon River has become one of the most rafted rivers in the United States. The Pigeon River was named the most popular rafted river in America according to year-end numbers from the 2020 season. Since then, the river has consistently ranked at the top for rafting popularity.

During the first year of commercial rafting in the county, there were 21,154 rafters who floated down the Pigeon River.

Catastrophic flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene in late September, 2024, cut the 2024 rafting season short, and that was after a year that had been impacted by drought. Through hard work and determination, the rafting companies worked to rebuild, and nine rafting companies have been issued permits for the 2025 rafting season.

During 2024, despite the negative impact that the weather had on the rafting season, there were 211,717 rafters who made their way down the Pigeon River in Cocke County. The highest number of rafters in the county was in 2021, when 305,466 rafters made their way down the river.

Rafting is also a significant source of income for Cocke County. Since 1995, rafting has brought in $8,070,526 in fees for the county. It has brought in an additional $128,350 from permit fees.

Throughout those years, a total of 4,850,366 rafters have journeyed along the river.

Permits were issued to the rafting companies in late February 2025, and inspections will take place as the rafting season gets underway. The flooding damaged infrastructure,

destroying three roads that are necessary for the rafting season to function normally.

A temporary ramp has been constructed at Browns Bridge to be used as the put-in for rafts. Despite all the challenges faced, there will be a 2025 rafting season.

The rafting companies that were permitted for 2025 include:

• Rapid Expeditions, LLC, owned by Dave Crawford at 3605 Hartford Road in Hartford. (423) 487-0160

• Five Rivers Adventures owned by Jason Grooms and Chuck Stansberry at 3144 Dorsey Road in Cosby. (423) 736-3970

• Big Creek Expeditions Inc. owned by Jon Felderman at 3671 Hartford Road in Hartford. (423) 487-0178

• Big Bear Rafting owned by Tommie, Cathy and Daniel Sutton at 3615 Big Creek Road in Hartford. (423) 487-4188

• Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited owned by Daniel Jennette at 3299 Hartford Road in Hartford. (423) 487-5290

• Nantahala Outdoor Center, which is employee owned, located at 3485 Hartford Road in Hartford. (423) 487-0668

• River Rat owned by Kevin and Michelle Clayton at 3630 Hartford Road in Hartford. (828) 772-2628

• Outdoor Adventures owned by Jessica Booth at 3635 Trail Hollow Road in Hartford. (423) 487-2085

• Ober Whitewater Adventure, LLC, owned by Joe Baker at 3555 Hartford Road in Hartford. (865) 436-5423

Rafters arrive at the outpost and after safety instruction, and board a bus that will take them to the put-in. At the put-in the raft will enter the river and they will ride downstream with their guide. Despite the flooding, all of the rafting companies are expecting a good season. They have said it is still a fun trip, and they believe visitors will enjoy

their time on the Pigeon River.

Rafters ride down the river while accompanied by a guide, and those guides are familiar with the area and can make recommendations to the

visitors regarding other places they must go while in Cocke County.

To learn more about rafting on the Pigeon River, call one of the rafting outfitters.

Photo courtesy River Rat Whitewater Rafting

COCKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

SERVING LOCAL CITIZENS

For over 75 years, the Cocke County Health Department has served local citizens. During this time, the public health programs have been instrumental in the elimination of polio, a reduction in child blood-related diseases, a decline in tooth decay through fluoridate water and a dental sealant program in the schools, immunizations against preventable diseases, the maintenance of good nutritional standards, and the provision of family planning services.

The following services are available at the Health Department:

• Child Health-Well child checkups include physical exams, health screenings, and immunizations

• Care Coordination-This program provides referrals and resources that could impact pregnancy, child and maternal health outcomes. Individuals may also qualify for Children’s Special Services (CSS) which may provide reimbursement for medical services and assistance with co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance for children with physical disabilities from birth to 21 years of age.

• Dental — The dental clinic provides general dentistry services for children covered by TennCare from birth to age 21. Emergency services may be provided for others on a sliding fee scale.

• Immunizations — Immunizations against polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), Haemopilus (meningitis), human papillomavirus

(HPV), and Hepatitis B, among others, are provided for children.

• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) — EBT cards to buy nutritious foods (cheese, milk, cereals, etc.) are issued to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and to children under 5 years of age who are at risk of poor growth, if they meet income guidelines. Breastfeeding classes and support are available to all new mothers.

• Baby and Me Tobacco Free — This program provides support for pregnant women who currently use tobacco products and are interested in quitting. Participants who are able to quit and stay quit receive vouchers for diapers for up to a year following delivery.

• Infectious Disease Control — All health departments provide necessary and timely information to patients, their families, and health care providers about serious infectious diseases. The health department collects and provides information on diseases in the community, investigates and monitors outbreaks, and keeps the community safe through investigation, early detection, and early intervention of diseases that can harm the public.

• Breast and Cervical Screening — Clinical breast exams, pap smears, and mammograms are provided for those with abnormal breast exams or paps meeting program requirements. Patients are also screened for presumptive eligibility for TennCare, related paperwork is completed, and a referral made for testing or care.

• Sexually Transmitted Disease Control — The health department provides confidential testing, treatment, and partner notification for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV AIDS.

• Tuberculosis Control — Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services for patients with tuberculosis, and their contacts, are provided at the health department. Medication, when needed, is also available.

• Family Planning — Patients receive a complete physical exam and all appropriate lab tests. Patients are also taught about birth control and may be supplied with a birth control method.

• Prenatal Services-Pregnancy testing and presumptive eligibility screening for TennCare are available.

• Vital Records — Copies of death certificates are issued upon request. Certified copies of birth certificates for persons born in Tennessee with birth year 1949 or after may be requested through the health department daily for a fee of $15.

• General Environmental Health — An environmental specialist is responsible for inspecting food

service establishments, hotels, motels, public swimming pools, bed and breakfast establishments, child care facilities, organized camps, schools, plants, tattoo and body piercing establishments. Other duties include controlling rabies and West Nile Virus, providing education and training for public facility workers, and monitoring establishments for compliance with the Non-Smoker’s Protection Act. For more information about services provided by the Health Department or to make an appointment, call 423-623-8733. The department is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

In addition to services provided in the Health Department, a health educator is available to work with individuals and groups to provide information on a variety of topics related to a healthy lifestyle. Special emphasis is given to tobacco, obesity, substance abuse, teen pregnancy prevention, rape prevention, and diabetes control. If you are interested in hosting a program or require more information about what subjects the Health Educator can cover, please contact the Cocke County Health Department at 423-623-8733, and ask to speak with the health educator.

Cocke County Health Department

NEWPORT PARKS & REC PROVIDES CONSISTENCY

The Newport Parks and Recreation Department is housed at 433 Prospect Avenue in the top floor of the Newport Community Center — a 36,144-square-foot facility that is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In the front office of the community center, one can find Parks and Recreation Director Tim Dockery.

Dockery has held the position since 1994, all the while fulfilling a mission statement that is based in remaining “committed to excellence in providing in diversity of leisure services to the community.

Dockery has spearheaded everything from the building’s rules and resurgence after a 1993 blizzard, to the installation of new technology, RecDesk, in order to better communicate with citizens who use the city’s Parks and Recreation areas and services.

“Anytime you pay to play, reserve facilities — any of that is done on RecDesk,” said Dockery. “So are background checks, CPR tests and other things.“

He also emphasized that the technology has enabled the department to simultaneously message each child within a specific program, which has been of extreme help in

unforeseen circumstances such as practice cancelations or facility unavailability.

When visitors enter, they can rest easily knowing the department has utilized the S.A.F.E. — Same Access For Everyone — system in order to streamline its entryways and exits.

They will be greeted by new faces too, such as city athletics coordinator Francisco Garcia.

But they can also park in a redesigned lot, which combined with the new doors, windows and precautionary measures for a total price of $130,000 over four years — a price well worth it, according to Dockery.

“It has made all the difference in the world,” he said.

Inside the community center, which also serves as a home base for the Newport/Cocke County Museum and Newport/ Cocke County Partnership, people can find several different recreational options.

They are as follows: an Olympic-size swimming pool that spans 50 meters; a basketball and volleyball court; a racquetball court; a gymnastics room; a concession stand with a kitchen; a meeting room that can be divided into three

Heated Olympic-sized swimming pool

sections; another full kitchen; a conference room; a fitness room; a game room; a maintenance workshop; and the lobby and receptionist area.

The department also hosts recreation league sports that include pickleball, recreation youth basketball, Smoky Mountain Little League, the Newport/Cocke County swim team, and now, girls’ volleyball for ages 11 and older since the city and county departments have come together for the newest venture.

There are also several events throughout the year: Fireflies Flicks, a summer series of movies held at the Newport City Park; Trick or Treat at the Track, a safe and fun alternative to door to door trick or treating feature help from local businesses, and the annual Easter egg hunt at Newport City Park — ranging from ages 0-10 with children separated into one- to three-year interval groups.

The Parks and Recreation department also oversees a skate park, located at 103 East Ayre Street.

Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Aside from the skate park and the building on Prospect Avenue, there are several playgrounds and other outdoor areas managed by the Parks and Rec department.

The Newport Grammar School sports complex, Newport City Park and Fred M. Valentine Jr. River Park all fall under the department’s jurisdiction.

So do the aforementioned playgrounds — Eve Babb Sexton Greenway and Trailhead, Bryant Town Park, White Oak Community Playground, Filbert and Fifth Basketball Court and Green Space, Kiwanis Playground within the NGS complex and Pet Milk Community Playground, which is the second-most used facility aside from Newport City Park.

Aside from what has already been fulfilled and what is done on a daily basis, the department is also looking toward the future.

It is open from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and is open

That has meant a 10-year master plan, which includes all the satellite parks mentioned above, and it includes a 319-page document that is available under the Parks and Recreation tab under CityofNewport.com.

KEEPING COCKE COUNTY BEAUTIFUL

The purpose of Keep Cocke County Beautiful is to promote a cleaner, healthier and safer environment for Newport and Cocke County and to protect our precious natural resources.

KCCB offers solutions that create clean, beautiful public places, reduce waste and increase recycling, generating a positive impact on local economies and inspire generations of environmental stewards.

Through our programs and public-private partnerships, we engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community’s environment. We work to build and sustain vibrant communities that are

socially connected, environmentally healthy and economically sound.

KCCB prides itself on hard work and dedication. Executive Director Gretta Carr and the Board of Directors continually work on educating the community on recycling and environmental issues.

Each year, the group coordinates the Great American Clean Up from March 31 to June 22, when area residents are encouraged to take PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in Your Designated Environment) through a variety of events. Projects throughout the year include

lake and stream cleanups, education in area classrooms and recycling efforts.

“KCCB is dedicated to improving the county’s appearance and environment and attaining objectives for the benefit of our citizens and visitors, “ Carr said. “We are coordinating an expanded recycling effort county and city wide, not just to improve appearances but also to control the escalating costs of waste disposal which impacts the taxes we all pay.”

KCCB continues to promote the three R’s -

Reduce Reuse and Recycle. Its office is located upstairs in the historic Tanner School at 115 Mulberry St., Newport, TN 37821. Call them at 423-623-1050. The website is www. keepcockecobeautiful.org and on Facebook at Keep Cocke County Beautiful.

WALTERS STATE SERVES

COCKE COUNTY

Walters State Community College remains committed to keeping college affordable for students in its 10-county service area. It is estimated that the annual cost of attending community college is less than half the estimated $10,000 cost at public four-year universities. Many students attend tuition-free through programs such the Tennessee Hope Lottery Scholarship, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect and the Pell Grant.

The Walters State Newport Center, located in the Tanner Building, continues to grow with two dozen classes offered in Newport.. Many of these are general study requirements. Students may take these to transfer to four-year institutions or apply them to specific associate or associate of applied science degrees such as nursing or computer and information science. The college recently added a new technical

certificate program in butchery, becoming the first community college to offer the program and one of only two such programs in the state.

The technical certificate in butchery has been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The apprenticeship program in butchery has been approved by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The college also became the first community college to offer an academic certificate in Spanish in 2024. Classes are offered online or in a traditional classroom. Students have the choice of including customized courses teaching common Spanish skills for use in public safety, hospitality management and health care with others planned.

The Division for Workforce Training offeres free online dementia-care training for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) working in long-term

care facilities in Greene County. The CARES Dementia Training class teaches CNAs how to make a connection with a patient, minimize falls, recognize pain, and key responses to dementia-related behavior.

TENNESSEE COLLEGE

The division’s summer camps included welding for middle and high school students and underwater robotics. Prospective students may apply for free at www.ws.edu.

OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY

Over the years hundreds of local high school graduates have chosen to attend Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Morristown, where they have received post-secondary training, which has launched them into highly lucrative job opportunities.

In addition to TCAT’s main campus in

Morristown, it has an additional branch campus in Hawkins County and Instructional Service Centers in Greeneville and Tazewell.

Founded in 1963, TCAP offers 16 programs: Administrative Office Technology, Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Certified Nursing Assistant, Computer Information Technology,

Drafting and CAD Technology, Graphic Arts, Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning/ Refrigeration Technology, Industrial Electric, Industrial Maintenance, License Practical Nurse, Machine Tool Technology/CNC, Pipefitting, Practical Nursing, and Welding.

TCAT also offers special industrial training classes, either onsite at the college or offsite

to meet specific industry needs. Financial assistance is available through PELL grants, Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grants, and the Veterans Administration. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology defines its mission as “to be the premier provider for workforce development

More than 500 students are enrolled full time at TCAT and attend classes there Monday through Friday. Evening programs are also available on a part-time basis and meet Monday through Thursday.

TCAT works closely with area high school career and technical education centers, by providing high school teachers with plans of study designed to facilitate the graduate’s work.

TCAT’s job placement rates exceed the levels required by the state. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the seventh largest governing board of higher education in the United States. As such, TCAT fulfills its mission by providing high quality training that is economical and accessible to Tennessee residents, thereby contributing to the economic and community development of the region it serves.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology can be reached by phone at 423-586-5771, or by fax at 423-586-8030. TCAT’s website is www. tcatmorristown.edu.

Newport Mayor’s Office

423-623-7323

Newport City Hall

423-623-7323

Newport Housing Authority

423-623-1575

Newport Street Department

423-623-5246

Newport Building & Codes Inspector

423-623-7323

Newport Fire Department

423-613-4048

Newport Police Department

423-613-4048

PHONE LISTINGS

Newport Grammar School

423-623-3811

Newport Recycling Center

423-625-3850

Cocke County Mayor’s Office

423-623-8791

Cocke County Circuit Court

423-623-6124

Cocke County Clerk and Master

423-623-3321

County Ag Extension 423-623-7531

Cocke County Clerk’s Office 423-623-6176

Farm Services

423-623-8646

Cocke County Fire Department

423-623-4444

Cocke County Highway Department

423-623-5102

Cocke County Election Commission

423-623-2042

Cocke County Property Assessor’s Office 423-623-7024

Cocke County Register of Deeds 423-623-7540

Cocke County Senior Center 423-720-9560

Cocke County School System

423-623-7821

Cocke County Sessions Court

423-623-8619

Cocke County Sheriff’s Office 423-623-6004

Cocke County Trustee’s Office 423-623-3037

Cocke County Vets Affairs Office

423-623-7911

Central Dispatch 423-623-8777

Newport Utilities 423-625-2800

Jefferson Cocke Gas Utility

423-623-3069

Cocke County Chamber of Commerce

423-623-7201

Economic Development Commission

423-623-3008

Cocke County Tourism Office

423-625-9675

Newport Community Center

423-623-7304

Newport Post Office

423-623-6136

CO CKE COUNT Y

TN Department of Human Services

423-623-1291

TN Department of Workforce Development

423-623-1108

Tennessee National Guard

423-623-1266

Parrottsville Town Hall

423-623-9380

Stokely Memorial Library 423-623-3832

Cosby Community Library 423-487-5885

Marie Ellison Memorial Library 423-487-5929

Parrottsville Community Library 423-625-8990

Safe Space 1-800-244-5968

Cocke County Health Department 423-623-8733

COCKE COUNTY CONVENIENCE CENTERS Rankin — 269 Clayhill Road, Newport

Reidtown — 1490 Highway 25/70, Newport

Morrell Springs — 965 Morrell Springs Road, Newport

Cosby — 3887 Cosby Highway, Cosby

Wilton Springs — 606 Wilton Springs Road, Newport

Ravens Branch — 2315 Old 15th Street, Hartford

Del Rio — 2990 East Highway 25/70, Del Rio

Parrottsville — 2061 Canary Drive, Parrottsville Irish Cut — 1160 Old Asheville Highway, Newport

Bogard — 3136 Bogard Road, Newport

Centerview — 2474 Holt Town Road, Newport

City Convenience Center — 122 Locust Street, Newport

COCKE COUNTY POST OFFICES

Bybee Post Office 1580 Highway 160 Bybee, TN 37713 423-623-5605

Cosby Post Office 4402 Hooper Highway Cosby, TN 37722 423-487-2421

Del Rio Post Office 3105 E. Highway 25/70

Del Rio, TN 37727 423-623-6082

Hartford Post Office

3603 Hartford Road Hartford, TN 37753

423-487-2180

Newport Post Office 265 Cosby Highway Newport, TN 37821 423-623-6136

Parrottsville Post Office 2053 Highway 321 Parrottsville, TN 37843 423-623-5500