Sweetwater's Live, Work and Play Book 2013

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20112012

Exemplary School District

A great place to live, work and play!


Sweetwater:

A great place to live, work and play! My vision for Sweetwater is to create the right balance to retain the unique character of our city and encourage growth that will allow citizens a fair tax structure, steady employment opportunities, and availability of retail opportunities to spend their resources locally. I’m sure many cities hope for the same. I think the difference in Sweetwater is the people and the leadership. The past few years, Sweetwater has received numerous recognitions, and it appears that our hard work is really paying off. We have been named a Playful City USA by Kaboom!; a Tree City USA for more than a decade, and received more than $2 million in grant funding for

capital projects in the past two years; and have submitted our application to become a National Main Street Community. Our Sweetwater City School system is one of few “Exemplary” systems in the State of Tennessee. Our sports complex is the best in the area, hosting state tournaments frequently. Arguably, Sweetwater’s best asset is its location- the midpoint between Ohio and Florida on a highly-traveled interstate 75. For a more local perspective, we are the midpoint on the corridor between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Sweetwater’s city limits include two interstate exits leading into two state highways (68 and 322), a federal highway

(11), and a lengthy Norfolk Southern railroad line through town. Transportation and traffic is alive and healthy. The City of Sweetwater boasts a staff of highly qualified and trained individuals dedicated to seeing Sweetwater prosper. Our community support is strong and our open government encourages citizen participation and input. Sweetwater’s low cost of living and tax base and strong family and community ties make it attractive to new retail vendors, industrial developments, and residents. Our fine school system, robust health care industry, and prime location make Sweetwater a desirable place to do business.

It is my hope that this book will lead you to the conclusion that Sweetwater is the right place for you… to live, work, and play!

Mayor Doyle Lowe

Published by:

609 E. North Street • Sweetwater, TN. 37874 • Phone: (423) 337-7101 4511 Highway 411 • Unit 5 • Madisonville, TN 37354• Phone: (423) 442-4575 www.advocateanddemocrat.com Thomas Wilson Publisher

Tommy Millsaps Editor editor@advocateanddemocrat.com Layout and Graphic Art Team: Jessica Cross jessica.cross@advocateanddemocrat.com Kristen Calhoun kristen.calhoun@advocateanddemocrat.com

Advertising Team: Sharon Livingston Advertising Manager admanager@advocateanddemocrat.com

Annual Events

Independence Day Celebration July 4

National Muscadine Festival Last full weekend of September

Peggy Harrill Sales Representative peggy.harrill@advocateanddemocrat.com

Veterans Day Parade Held in November

Lauren Howard Sales Representative lauren.howard@advocateanddemocrat.com

Small Town Christmas Saturday after Thanksgiving

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in the Sweetwater Live, Work & Play Book. No reproduction may be made without written permission of the publisher.

2 | www.sweetwatertn.net

Christmas Parade- TBA

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book


Planning Department assists developers Sweetwater’s Planning, Development, and Tourism Department is supervised by Commissioner Sam Moser, local architect, and City Planner Scott Wilson. Wilson is certified as a commercial and residential building inspector by the state and plumbing inspector by the International Code Council.  Mr. Wilson has a background in real estate and development and represents the city on several citizen boards and the Planning Commission. Wilson is assisted by his staff Chuck Whited and Kathy Blessing. Mr. Whited is assistant codes enforcement officer handling property maintenance and zoning issues.  Mr. Whited has a background in banking and serves several citizen boards including the Tree Board and Historic Zoning Commission.  Ms. Blessing is the administrative assistant and takes care of daily inquiries related to planning, development and zoning. The Planning Department has assisted numerous businesses locating to Sweetwater, including the Walmart Super Center on Highway 11 South. The

Planning Department saw a $16.3 million increase in capital improvement/ construction permits in 2012 compared to 2011. The Planning Commission meets in regular session the third Monday at 6 p.m. at City Hall.  A monthly workshop is held on the second Monday and the deadline for the agenda is 14 days prior to the meeting.  As a regional planning commission, its authority extends into parts of Monroe and McMinn counties for subdivision of property.  The City’s website has much of the information developers need, including subdivision regulations, city codes, and a digital color zoning map.  Visit www. sweetwatertn.net

for more information or call the Planning Department at 423-337-9678. The Economic Development Board is a citizen board, appointed by the mayor. Â The board meets monthly on the second Wednesday at noon at City Hall. The Tree Board has helped the city be recognized as a Tree City, USA for more than a decade.

Scott Wilson and Chuck Whited

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City of Sweetwater Government

Sweetwater has a population of 6,567 and is the largest city in Monroe County. The lands that would eventually be Sweetwater are noted in a grant of reservation to Issac Vann in “Sweet Water” dated July 10, 1817, from the Cherokee Agency of the Office of Indian Affairs. Development continued along the Sweetwater Creek, spurred on by the coming of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. By 1852, lots were being sold by I.T. Lenoir for the town of Sweetwater. In 1867, the community’s first printed newspaper came out as the “Sweetwater Forerunner.” An election was Sweetwater City Hall held in 1875 to incorporate the present-day City of Sweetwater. The first Mayor was J.W. 203 Monroe Street, 337-6979, hours - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clark, the recorder was Austin Fry, and the Monday - Friday, website - www.sweetwatertn.net. first constable was J.H. Montgomery.

Sweetwater Utilities Board

Form of government: Sweetwater’s government is comprised of a mayor and five-member board of commissioners. The mayor and board of commissioners hold regularly scheduled city meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at City Hall, and public workshops at 5 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month. Persons wishing to get on the monthly agenda for the regular commission meeting must fill out a form at City Hall by noon the Friday before the regular monthly workshop. The current board consists of: Mayor: Doyle Lowe Police Commissioner: Bill Stockon Parks and Recreation Commissioner: Julian Walton Planning, Development and Tourism: Sam Moser Fire Commissioner: Ed Lee Street Commissioner: Billy G. “Buster” West City Recorder: Jessica Morgan City Attorney: John Cleveland

Street Department

The Sweetwater Utilities Board serves the area with electricity, water, gas and wastewater services. Robert Bettis is the general manager. Contact SUB at 423-3375081. Also, visit www.sweetwaterutilities.com.

Sweetwater Police Department Police Chief is Eddie Byrum; 208 Monroe Street, 423-337-6151.

Street Superintendent Richard Jenkins, 321 South High Street, 423-337-7225.

City Planning Planning Officer Scott Wilson, City Hall, Monroe Street, 423-337-9678.

Recreation Department Director Greg Newman, Sweetwater Recreation Complex on Starrett Street, 423-337-4120. Sweetwater has a public park, Engleman Park, in addition to the complex.

Fire Departments

Sweetwater Public Library

Fire Chief is Doug Watson. Fire Hall No. 1: 208 Monroe Street, 3376880; Fire Hall No. 2: 355 Highway 322 East (Billy R. Ridenour Highway), 423337-6724.

Director Beverly Bollenbacher, 210 Mayes Ave., 423-337-5274, or e-mail sweetpltn@compfxnet.com.

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Sweetwater Post Office 701 North Main Street; 423-337-7041.

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book


A Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence™ For Two Years in a Row 2012 & 2013

Experience Historic Downtown

Throughout the country, many downtowns have struggled to remain vibrant, however, Sweetwater has broken the mold with a thriving downtown. Historic downtown Sweetwater is an antique lover’s paradise featuring both large mall-like stores and quaint shops filled with heirlooms and treasures from days past - sure to please all antique enthusiasts. In addition to the ample antique options, historic downtown Sweetwater is home to unique gift stores, finest ladies fashions and quality eateries. Parking is plentiful in front of shops or in nearby parking lots. Upon Sweetwater’s recent completion of the pilot

Downtown Tennessee Program, Sweetwater was awarded a monetary grant. This grant was used to continue the revitalization program creating a stepping stone to gain Main Street USA status - a prestigious designation for historical downtown areas. Sweetwater hopes to learn this spring that it has been accepted as a Main Street city. The downtown area is host to major events, including the Independence Day Celebration, National Muscadine Festival in September, Veterans Day Parade and the A Small Town Christmas each November. Visit www.visitsweetwater. com for additional information about the downtown area of Sweetwater.

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book

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www.sweetwatertn.net | 5


Booming industry Sweetwater’s location on Interstate 75, its railroad and crisscrossing of major highways makes the community attractive to a variety of industries both large and small. The city has a thriving industrial park that is now full, but also has available properties through private ownership for new business and industry. Sweetwater is home to such major industries as Aeroflex USA, Gemtron, Vestal Manufacturing, NGK

metals and many other manufacturers both large and small. In 2012, Bryant Boats announced new management and continues to be world renowned for the company’s handcrafted boats. In the fall of 2012, Bryant unveiled its special “Sweetwater Edition” boat, paying homage to the company’s hometown. In recent years, many of Sweetwater industries have expanded. One of the largest expansions came when

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Aeroflex USA, a division of Eastern Polymer Industry, purchased additional property. The company is world renowned for its innovation in the elastomeric rubber foam insulation tube industry. Sweetwater business leaders have gained notoriety for their innovations and commitment to quality and customer service. In 2011, Michael Hamilton, founder of MCH Corporation, was named the national Small Business

Person of the Year. MCH is a growing information technology and solutions company, which opened a new facility in Sweetwater. The company has major government and other contracts and could have located anywhere, but chose Sweetwater. The Sweetwater Merchants and Property Owners Association (smpoatn@gmail.com) is a big asset to promoting Sweetwater and local businesses.

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book


F Service Real Estate Full and Auction Company a 3 33 Years Experience Wm. E. “Bill” Howe, Broker/Auctioneer

We’re here for you! Call us today for all your insurance needs! Home | Auto | Life | Health | Business

Howe Realty & Auction Co. Each office independently owned and operated.

PARAMOUNT INSURANCE SERVICES VICES The Heuer Agency

675 New Highway 68, Sweetwater | 423-337-9355 or 800-337-9356

423-337-5092

TAL# 4476 Firm#1303

112 North Street • Sweetwater, TN N

E-Mail: C21Howe@aol.com | www.c21howe.com

Skilled & Intermediate Care Medicare, Medicaid, BCBS and Humana Insurances Accepted. Physical, Speech & Occupational Therapy Assisted Living The center's 3,200 gallon Swim-Ex® pool provides one of the most modern aquatic treatments available.

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book

www.woodvillage.us

423-351-1050

520 Old Hwy 68 • Sweetwater www.sweetwatertn.net | 7


= =

Sweetwater

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DEMOGRAPHIC SNAPSHOT

US Hwy 11 (Main St) & State Hwy 68 (Lost Sea Pike) 5 Mile Radius Ring 2010 Estimated Population 12,849 Projected Annual Growth '10-'15 0.2% Est. Median Household Income $37,070

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WILLOW CREEK Willow Creek is a ninety acre master planned community with 245 homesites.

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Railroads

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SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER JUNIOR JUNIOR JUNIORHIGH HIGH HIGHSCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL

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7 7

+ 2010 TDOT Traffic Counts RD RD VONORE TER VONORE RD TER VONORE RD SWEETWA SWEETWA VONORE TER RD SWEETWA VONORE TER SWEETWA SWEETWATER

SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER CITY CITY CITY HALL HALL CITY CITY CITYHALL HALL HALL HALL

INSET

* *

2010 USDA Aerial

5,527 5,527

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This map was produced using data from private and government sources deemed to be reliable. The information herein is provided without representation or warranty.

10,200 10,200

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0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Miles Miles Miles

0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4

©2011, The Shopping Center Group, LLC, Nashville, TN (615) 259-0200. All Rights Reserved.

11,690 11,690

+

+

SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER HOSPITAL HOSPITAL HOSPITAL

/ /

38,134 38,134

7,568 7,568

SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY

Sweetwater Sweetwater

N / /

= =

MANGUSON MANGUSON MANGUSON HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL

VESTAL VESTAL VESTAL MFG MFG VESTAL VESTAL VESTALMFG MFG MFG MFG 100 100EE EE EE AEROFLEX AEROFLEX AEROFLEX USA USA AEROFLEX AEROFLEX AEROFLEXUSA USA USA USA 100 93 93 93 EE EE EE 93 93 93EE EE EE

NORFO NO NO RFOLK RFO LKSO LK RFO SOUTH SO NO NO NO LK UTHER UTH RFO SO ERN ER LK UTH SO ER UTH ILWAY ILW ILW N RA N ER RAILW RA AY AY AY ILW ILW AY AY

SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER FLEX FLEXMARKET MARKET MARKET FLEX MARKET FLEX FLEX MARKET

+

SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER SWEETWATER PRIMARY PRIMARY PRIMARYSCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL

+

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3,402 3,402

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322

40,346 40,346

Trade Area 46,149 0.7% $39,277

Scott Wilson Director of Planning & Development City of Sweetwater 203 Monroe Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 Office:(423) 337-9678 Fax: (423) 337-9663 Mobile: (423) 371-2190 Email: swilson@sweetwatertn.net Website: www.sweetwatertn.net

2011 40 Knoxville Knoxville

40

TENNESSEE TENNESSEE

Sweetwater Sweetwater

Sweetwater Sweetwater 75 MONROE CO.

NORTH NORTH CAROLINA CAROLINA

75

Chattanooga Chattanooga 75

GEORGIA GEORGIA

Logos are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.

3,450 3,450


Health care

A key to a vibrant community Sweetwater Hospital Association Sweetwater Hospital Association (SHA) provides the community with a first-class hospital that is the envy of much larger communities. The hospital’s 475 employees are dedicated professionals with some of the best facilities and equipment around. In recent years, the hospital has opened a new state-of-the-art emergency room, new operating rooms and materials management area. Within the next year, the hospital will complete a new main entrance, imaging center and administrative addition. SHA has new professional office space in future plans and will complete the renovation of existing buildings.

SHA is a leader in acquiring new medical technology. The hospital recently acquired one of the most advanced CT scanners in the world, the Aquilion PRIME, and was the first hospital east of the Mississippi River to have such an advanced scanner. SHA doctors want the highest quality images in order to diagnose and develop treatment plans for their patients. This advanced CT system is specifically designed to achieve these goals for the widest range of patients and procedures. Its ultra-fast scanning capabilities shorten exams so less contrast and radiation are required. Built-in ergonomic features facilitate operator efficiency while enhancing patient comfort and convenience. The sophisticated reconstruction capabilities deliver exceptional clinical images with unprecedented speed. Of particular interest to businesses, is SHA’s outstanding industrial medicine program that provides companies with drug testing, employee physicals and more. For more information on SHA, visit www.sweetwaterhospital.org or call 865-2138200.

Blount Memorial Monroe County is close to the highlyregarded Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, which provides numerous medical services within minutes of the county. Blount Memorial maintains a modern facility in the Tellico West Industrial Park in Vonore for the ultimate in convenient medical care with family medicine, occupational health, home services, rehabilitation and more. Visit www.blountmemorial.org or call 423-884-6958 for more information. In addition to SHA and Blount Memorial, Chota Community Health Services is a non-profit corporation that provides affordable health care to all residents of Monroe County regardless of economic status or insurance coverage. A number of local doctors provide private practice options for patients.

LIFESTAR serves Monroe County In addition to the excellent Monroe County Ambulance Service, a University of Tennessee LIFESTAR medical helicopter is stationed at Sweetwater’s newest fire hall providing local patients the fastest transport time possible to the Level I Trauma Center at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

Monroe County Health Department Monroe County recently opened a new Health Department located between Sweetwater and Madisonville with a variety of services for youth and adults. For more information, call 423-442-3993.

Other health resources In addition to outstanding hospitals, and the Health Department, Sweetwater and the surrounding area offer a Thompson Cancer Survival Center branch, dialysis centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

10 | www.sweetwatertn.net

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book


Physical Therapy

665 New Hwy 68, Suite F Sweetwater, TN

423-536-7036

520 Cook Street, Suite D Madisonville, TN

State Farm®

Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

423-442-1440

Sue M Anderson, Agent 695 Highway 68 • Sweetwater, TN 37874-0046 Bus: 423-337-4467 Fax: 423-337-0871 sue.anderson.gk7s@statefarm.com

Kandy Howard, PTA; Danny Long, PT; Amy Woody, Ed. S. CCC-SLP; Angela Page, PTA/CLT PHYSICAL THERAPY: Treatment of Sports Injuries, Neck & Back Pain, Work Related injuries, Post Surgical Management, Programs for Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Lymphedema and Vertigo. Treatment of Neurological and Orthopedic problems also offered. SPEECH THERAPY: Speech, Language, & Swallowing Disorders for Pediatrics and Adults. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: Treatment of Orthopedic and Neurological problems in Adults.

Aquatic Therapy Offered Now At Our Madisonville Location

24 Hour Good Neighbor Service®

Valley Building Supply - Good Service! Great Price! Browse through our store and 7 warehouses, located on 8 acres, for products ranging from lumber to siding, windows, doors, cabinets, lighting, flooring and much more. Storage Buildings and Installation Services available on cabinets, roofing, decks, garage doors and more. Wide variety of Storage Buildings available with financing options and a Rent-To-Own Program. Playhouses and Gazebos are also available. We look forward to assisting you soon. In the meantime, keep up with us on Facebook!

Website: ValleyBuildingSupplyTN.com

2110 Hwy 11 North Sweetwater, TN 37874 Phone: 423-337-3499 Fax: 423-337-3460 Hours: M-F 7:30 to 6:00 Saturday 7:30 to 4:00 - Sunday Closed ————————-—–———————————————

Follow us on Facebook!

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book

www.sweetwatertn.net | 11


n o ti

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Ed

Celebrating “Exemplary” status

The Sweetwater City School System is more than a century old and serves Sweetwater and the 1st District of Monroe County. Dr. Melanie Miller serves as director of schools. In 2012, the Tennessee Department of Education recognized the Sweetwater City School System as one of only 21 out of 136 school systems in the state that earned “Exemplary” status due to outstanding growth on test scores. The Sweetwater City School System focuses on student learning through outstanding teaching and the use of modern technology at the primary school (pre-K through 2nd-grade), Sweetwater Elementary (pre-K and grades 3-4), Brown Intermediate (grades 5-6) and the junior high (grades 7-8).

Dr. Melanie Miller Director of Schools

The school system has outstanding facilities. In addition to the new primary school, constant upgrades and renovations mean the school system has some of the most modern buildings in the state. In 2007, a new wing opened at the junior high and in 2011, the city school

Sweetwater Schools NAME OF SCHOOL

GRADE

Sweetwater Primary Pre-K-2nd Sweetwater Elementary 3rd-4th (one Pre-K class) Brown Intermediate 5th-6th Sweetwater Junior High 7th-8th Sweetwater High 9th-12th 12 | www.sweetwatertn.net

system celebrated the grand opening of a new $3 million auditorium and classroom wing at Sweetwater Elementary School. In early 2013, the school system completed a renovation at Brown Intermediate School and opened a brand new Central Office building as part of a $2 million project. The Sweetwater Board of Education governs the school system and meets on the second Monday of the month. The board is made up of Chairman Richard Rowe, Janie Dacus, Dr. John Fox, Bennie Moser and Letha Oggs. For more information, call the the Central Office a 423- 337-7051. The school system website is www.compurdy.com/ scs2/. Sweetwater also has an outstanding high school, which is part of the Monroe County School System. In 2011, Gov. Bill Haslam recognized the high school for its progress on test scores and the graduation rate. In 2011-2012, Sweetwater High School celebrated its 100-year anniversary with a full year of activities and recognitions. Sweetwater is close to a number of colleges and universities, including Hiwassee College, Tennessee Wesleyan College, Cleveland State Community College, Maryville College, Lee University and the University of Tennessee.

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book


Need Therapy?

Our nursing center is a

For Your Everyday Needs

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Our caring and trained

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If the need arises, call us.

Nurturing Body, Mind, and Spirit 978 Hwy 11 South • Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-6631 www.sweetwaternursingcenter.com

We can help you and your doctor solve your medical problems, by compounding prescriptions to meet your specific needs. With two certified compounders on staff, we can solve medication problems for you or even your pet with our vet compounding.

Wil-Sav Drugs of Sweetwater Hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Sat: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Closed Sunday • Fast and Friendly Service

787 NEW HWY 68 • SWEETWATER • 423-337-9381

To make an appointment for an evaluation or consultation please call

(856) 213 213-8595 8595 304 4 Wright Street • Sweetwater, TN

Brian Villanueva, MD Board Certified in General Surgery

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book

www.sweetwatertn.net | 13


Make Sweetwater

Home

One of the great drawing cards for Sweetwater is an abundance of affordable housing with great variety for young families to retirees. Karen Northridge, publisher for nationally known, “Where to Retire” magazine, has designated Willow Creek in Sweetwater as one of “America’s 100 Best Master-Planned Communities.” Selection criteria was based on the degree of positive impact a new community has made on the economic health of the towns and cities in which they are located as well as their ability to provide a high quality of life to those who are embarking on retirement. A new 47-unit assisted living community is planned for inside Willow Creek and a new 48-unit apartment complex opened in 2012 near the interstate. Sweetwater is experiencing growth in residential home construction in several subdivisions; including Clover Hill, Ridgeland Farms, and Oakland View Estates. Sweetwater’s growing housing market spurs a stronger construction and materials supplies industry. Valley Building Supply, located at 2110 Highway 11 North, has been part of that growth and has been family owned and operated by the Dacus family since 1994. From the beginning, the goal has been to provide the community with building supply needs at a great competitive price without having to drive all the way to Knoxville. Find three styles of cabinets in stock and a wide variety of options for a special order kitchen to suit your dream kitchen perfectly. You can add organizational tools to stream line your existing kitchen, build a china hutch or do a full renovation. Cabinets can be used to create a more organized laundry and/or mudroom. While partnering with a cabinet

specialist and Valley Building’s installation service, create a bench with storage, an area to hang coats, shelving and cabinets for additional storage and organization to keep all those stray items without a home neat and tidy. Cabinets are only one small aspect of the big picture. Flooring is an additional aspect that’s been a key focus to providing a wide variety of goods for the community. From your basic peel and stick

14 | www.sweetwatertn.net

tiles to the hardwoods in-stock, there is a wide variety of options. Whether your needs are for roofing, storage buildings, basic lumber or more, the Valley Building Supply team is ready and waiting to assist you in completing your next home improvement project. Check out the website: www. ValleyBuildingSupplyTN.com for more information.

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book


All aboard! Sweetwater on right track

Sweetwater is a city on the move toward the future while not forgetting its past. Nowhere is that more evident than ongoing retail development with Walmart and grant programs under way to pay homage to the community’s roots.

expect a big sales tax revenue boost from the giant retailer and they expect other stores and restaurants to build nearby. “We’ve been chomping at the bit for this day to occur,” Mayor Doyle Lowe said when Walmart broke ground a few months ago. Walmart officials said they too are thrilled to have a store soon to open in Sweetwater and plan to be a good corporate citizen, pointing to the fact Walmart has donated more than $21 million to communities in Tennessee alone. “More and more, we see communities like Sweetwater that recognize the value of bringing Walmart to their neighborhoods because of the economic stimulus benefits we bring to the community, the jobs and career opportunities we create for our associates, and the convenient access to healthier, affordable foods our stores provide,” Walmart Market Manager Jackie Chapman said. The store on Highway 11 South has a target completion date for summer 2013.

Little town that could Retail giant Coming The last few years have been a time of economic growth in Sweetwater. Nowhere is that more evident than the fast-progressing work on a new, more than 150,000-square-foot Walmart Super Center that will bring 300 new jobs to the area. City officials say they are overjoyed with Walmart coming to town, as they

Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book

Thanks to a Tennessee Department of Transportation grant, Sweetwater will soon get to pay homage to its roots as a railroad town. The City of Sweetwater has been awarded a nearly $400,000 Enhancement Grant from TDOT to go toward the construc-

tion of a train station replica downtown. The train station replica will be built in Hunt Commons. Hunt Commons is city-owned property on the east side of the railroad tracks just across from the old train car. The square was named after the late Joey Hunt, a National Guard soldier and Sweetwater native killed while serving in Iraq in 2005. The 1,400-square-foot facility will serve as a visitors center, museum and have public restrooms, a necessity long needed in the downtown shopping district. The construction of a trail head is also part of the grant. The city first began pushing hard for the grant in 2010 and already has a rendering from Sweetwater Commissioner and architect Sam Moser of what the train station will look like when finished.

www.sweetwatertn.net | 15


Funeral Homes

Love Goes On

Close to home.

865-983-7211

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Hospital www.blountmemorial.org

CERTIFIED INSURANCE REPAIR FACILITY

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106 Sands Road • Sweetwater (423) 337-6020 www.autobodycollisionsweetwater.com

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Sweetwater Live, Work and Play Book


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