Year in Review 2020

April

Oliver Companies lay off 150; local industries, schools, businesses wait it out

Approximately 150 employees of two of the Oliver Companies–Oliver Fiberglass and Oliver Travel Trailers–experienced layoffs as the companies’ orders slowed and Governor Bill Lee issued a “Safer at Home” initiative.

Oliver Fiberglass sent home 75 percent of its workforce due to a lack of orders for Safe Step tubs, a walk-in tub marketed to older Americans.

Lewis County Schools provide over 9,000 meals per week

Food Service Director Debbie Willis, cafeteria workers, school resource officers, aides and volunteers are hard at work providing critical meals to Lewis County children.

An average of over 9,000 meals per week have been prepared and distributed to children of the community ages 18 and under.

Long time business leader Marian Yates loses battle with cancer

Long time banker, colleague and friend of many people in the community, Marian Michalene Yates passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020 at her home. She had battled cancer for approximately three years.

State Representative Seat to be hotly contested in August

Three Republicans and one Democrat are seeking the position of State of Tennessee House of Representatives 71st District in the August 6, 2020 election.

Democrat Christi M. Rice of Waynesboro will be running against Republicans which include incumbent David “Coach” Byrd of Waynesboro, Austin Carroll of Hohenwald and Garry Welch of Savannah.

LCHS announces Top Ten Graduates for 2020 class

Director of Schools Benny Pace and Lewis County High School Principal Stacey Graves recently announced the Top Ten of the graduating class of 2019-20. Although classes are not currently in session due to COVID-19 social distancing and State of Tennessee mandates, this group of seniors remains hopeful classes will resume on April 24, 2020.

The Top Ten, from Valedictorian to tenth place, were Abagayle Brock, Rachel King, Calli Dye, Avery Potts, Allison Jackson, Addison Johns, Cole Humphreys, Lathan Powers, Caleb Carroll and Joseph Collie.

County Commission District 4 seat opens at resignation of Taylor

Yet another seat for a local elected official opened last week when Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner received a resignation letter from County Commissioner Earl Taylor.

Bond set at $1.51 million for a man who brutally attacks 10-year-old

Tony, a 10-year-old boy, survived having his throat cut Sunday afternoon following a brutal attack. When deputies arrived at the scene on Howard Switch Road, Sammy Sadler, age 29 of Church Street in Clifton, refused to put down a knife, hurled obscenities at the officers and, instead of giving up his weapon, pulled the “knife out of his front right pocket” and began running toward the deputy, a report of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department said.

TBI called in to search for missing Allen’s Creek man

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) joined the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department Tuesday in a search for a man named Kenneth Harter, age 50, who was last seen on April 1, 2020.

Local Pharmacist Jonathan Jones earns national recognition

Jonathan Jones, of Jones Hometown Pharmacy in Hohenwald, was recently recognized as a Patient Champion by the American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI).

Three charged when missing man’s body located in pond

A tip led law enforcement to a shallow pond where they spotted Kenneth Harter’s remains floating near the surface. Cinder blocks tied to his belt failed to keep the body submerged and the gruesome story had just begun to unfold.

Betty Crutchfield, Jonathan French and Curtis Lobermier were arrested on charges relating to Harter’s murder, drugs and fraudulent use of debit/credit card.

May

LCHS Class of 2020 closes out senior year with a time capsule

Lewis County High School seniors lined up six feet apart in the high school gym to gather their belongings left behind, pick up their cap and gown, and create a time capsule in lieu of all the typical senior memories that were never made.

Widespread damage and power outages after storm

A severe thunderstorm system with winds that reached up to 70 mph roared through Hohenwald and middle Tennessee on Sunday, May 3, uprooting trees, taking down power lines, damaging buildings across town including Darrin’s C-Mart and Central Christian Fellowship.

Commissioners disagree on garbage; Who has the solution?

Mayor Keltner presented a compromise proposal that would increase both residential and commercial solid waste fees beginning October 1, 2020. The resolution failed after more than 20 minutes of discussion.

June

LCHS Senior Week 2020

Lewis County High School faculty and staff planned Senior Week to honor graduating seniors with a week-long celebration involving our whole community including activities like paint the town black and gold, grilling for graduates, and a Senior Walk, all before graduation on June 12th.

Jim Oliver Honored with Highway 412 Dedication

Members of the James E. (Jim) Oliver family gathered Friday on Highway 412 West near the Perry County line for the unveiling of a sign that named that portion of State Route 412 in honor of the founder of the Oliver Companies.

Pastor Glen and Angela Floyd Honored with Bridge Dedication

Tribute was paid to Pastor Glen and Angela Floyd Friday morning, June 5, with the dedication of a bridge in their honor at the intersection of Glen Floyd Road and Rockhouse Road.

COVID Cases in the Region; Lewis ranks low on list

Lewis County ranks third from the bottom in the list of COVID-19 cases in the State of Tennessee. Lewis County has had four cases, two of which are reported as recovered, and no deaths.

Congratulations LCHS Class of 2020

Members of the Lewis County High School graduating class of 2020 enjoyed a fireworks display Friday evening at Bobby W. Sharp Stadium following commencement exercises postponed from May 22, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director of Schools Benny Pace presented diplomas to 100 students as family and friends, who had tickets to enter, observed. Class President Lathan Powers, Class Valedictorian Abagayle Brock and Class Salutatorian Rachel King presented speeches to their fellow classmates.

Becky Carroll memorial fundraiser established

Nearly 55 years after she “graced earth with her presence” (as she would say), Becky Lucille Carroll left it behind: better and brighter than she found it. Just her style.

Hohenwald man killed in fatal motorcycle crash

A report from the Tennessee River Valley News stated a Hohenwald man named Cody Turner was killed in a two vehicle motorcycle crash just after 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020 in Lawrence County.

July

County approves purchase of scales for Transfer Station

A huge boom for local governments came when members of the Tennessee Legislature recently approved removing restrictions for Local Government Support Grant funds. Lewis County’s portion was increased to $744,538, anticipated to be released in mid-July.

Lewis County Commissioners rescinded a resolution of approved projects Monday evening 13 to one in order to re-allocate the funds. Voting no was Commissioner Patrick Halfacre.

9th Annual Ticked off at Cancer Ride donates to Cancer Fund

“Even after everything that has been happening this year, and with everything going on in our community Saturday, we had another successful year for our ride,” organizers of the 9th annual Ticked Off At Cancer Ride stated this week.

Larry Skelton and Todd “Tojo” Chessor reported the local motorcycle ride managed to raise $11,010.80, “with donations still flowing in.” There were 65 bikes and 16 vehicles that participated.

County did approve a 9 member commission

In an email dated June 18, Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner reported to Lewis County Clerk Sandra Clayton that a vote to decrease the number of Lewis County Commissioners from 18 to nine, which was declared as a failed vote, actually passed.

“Normally you would need 10 votes out of an 18 person body to have a majority. See T.C.A. 5-5-109. Since you now have a 17 person body due to a resignation, you only need nine votes,” County Attorney Jack Heath said.

Local Youth Sure Shot at State Championship

The Lewis County Trap team travelled to Nashville during the week of June 29 thru July 2, 2020 to compete in the 2020 Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program’s (TNSCTP) State Championship in three main shotgun shooting disciplines at the Nashville Gun Club.

In Sporting Clays, Zoie Clark placed fifth in Ladies Intermediate Advanced. In Skeet, Zoie Clark placed fourth in Ladies Intermediate Advanced.

In Trap, Clay Bean placed fourth in Men’s Intermediate Advanced, Zoie Clark placed second in Ladies Intermediate Advanced, Emery Norris placed third in Ladies Intermediate Entry, and the team of Trasey Lindsey, Mason Owen, Clay Bean, Zoie Clark, Nathaniel Caamal, and Ryan Tanner were first place State Champions in Intermediate Advanced Team Squad.

Schools announce reopening plans with COVID guidelines

Lewis County School officials have spent their summer break planning for scenarios for a reopening of schools. A plan was submitted by school officials this week which included buses being regularly sanitized, masks optional, no students permitted who have a fever and temperature checks at each building.

Lewis County loses first to COVID-19 virus

Lewis County suffered the loss of one of its own to COVID-19, when SFC Ret. Floyd C. Tubbs Sr., a veteran of the Tennessee Army National Guard for more than 25 years, took his final tour of duty on Thursday, July 23, 2020.

TCAT breaks ground for new Health Careers building

TCAT President Kelli Kea-Carroll was joined Monday by local elected officials and staff members at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology for a ground breaking ceremony at the West Main Street, Hohenwald campus.

Construction crews arrived one week early, she explained, and not wanting to hinder a schedule, the groundbreaking was held while bulldozers moved in the background.

Yes vote hoped for by school supporters

Voters have one week left to weigh in on the fate of a new high school for Lewis County students. A quarter percent sales tax vote on the August 6, 2020 ballot/referendum would add pennies for shoppers with big results for educators and students.

August

Local Save-A-Lot Grocery to Close

“I never expected this,” said Autumn Runions. “We have customers that only shop here... We have appreciated their support throughout the years.”

Last Thursday, July 30, Save-A-Lot’s Store Manager Autumn Runions, was told by corporate that her store would be closing its doors on August 21, 2020, due to a decline in profits.

City planners review hydrology study of Edgefield subdivision

Darrell James, hired by the City of Hohenwald, reviewed a hydrology study created by Mr. Risner’s engineer, Braden Hinson, and provided feedback to the Planning Commission.

Don Barber, Scottie Bass and Cody Mitchell, who were attending the meeting, pledged to support the City’s adoption of the drive as part of the City street system.

Lewis County voters fail to approve Sales Tax increase for schools

Local and state political candidates fought for their seats all through the summer, waiting for Thursday, August 6, to arrive. Here in Lewis County, we had 2,719 show up to the polls to cast their votes.

The people of Lewis County voted 1,213 for the sales tax referendum and 1,408 against. Winning by 3 votes was Paula Dyer with 114 votes for School Board, District 8, over Nancy McDonald, with 111 votes. Glenda Atkinson was re-elected to serve on the School Board for District 2 with 244 votes. Derek Cotham was elected to be the voice for District 4 on the School Board with 249 votes. Jack Holt was elected for School Board, District 6, with 258 votes and Blake Farr was re-elected to serve District 9 on the School Board with 187 votes.

Kyle Bobo was voted onto the County Commission for District 4 with 87 votes over Kaye Wise. Travis Hinson was re-named Assessor of Property with 2,086 votes. Joyce Holt was re-elected as Highway Commissioner with 1,750 votes. David “Coach” Byrd won Tennessee House of Representatives in Lewis County by only 19 votes. Byrd received 1,008 votes, Austin Carroll collected 989, and Gary Welch came in with 142 votes.

City officials respond to concerned business owners

Local small business owners Chad Ashmore, Ray Cook and Mike Ricketts attended last week’s meeting on behalf of the business owners in Hohenwald to express their concern over the fee structure of mobile and non-permanent vendors, compared to brick and mortar stores.

Armed man creates barricade, threatens to make target of police

A 46-year-old disturbed Lewis County man barricaded himself in his home on the evening of Monday, August 17, 2020. A call came through E911 dispatch around 5 p.m. from a mental health center that they were on a phone line with a patient who stated he wanted to die. While on the phone, the patient mentioned suicide by cop.

LCHS Football’s Media Day kicks off 2020 season

2020 Lewis County High School Football held a Media Day Saturday morning, August 15, at Bobby W. Sharp Stadium with players, coaches and cheerleaders for the 2020 season on display for parents, family, friends and supporters. The football team, coaches, managers and cheerleaders were recognized by the voice of Panther Football Bill Lynch.

Former county employee faces charges of theft, official misconduct

Boyd Blair Scott, who served as an executive assistant in the Lewis County Mayor’s office, has been charged with a Class C Felony when he obtained health insurance benefits without paying the proper premium.

Local broadband company awarded $605k for expansion

Chief Operating Officer Hayden Rawdon announced this week JTM Broadband has been awarded $605,283.20 by the State of Tennessee in Tennessee Emergency Broadband Funds. Part of the CARES Act, the funds are designated to service approximately 258 homes in Lewis County with high speed broadband.

Newbold announces a return to the classroom

Lewis County Herald Managing Editor Becky Jane Newbold has accepted a position with the Lewis County School system as a full-time substitute teacher and will be leaving her post at her family’s newspaper beginning next week. In the local school system, it is anticipated Mrs. Newbold will fill in for teachers who may need an extended leave due to COVID quarantine requirements.

September

Brylee Harris named Fairest of the Fair

Brylee Alissa Harris was crowned queen of the 2020 South Central Area Fairest of the Fair. Brylee is the daughter of Terrell and Amye Harris of Wayne County. The pageant was held Sunday, August 30 in the Lewis County Middle School Auditorium.

LCHS Homecoming

Kaylie Reynolds was crowned homecoming queen Friday night during festivities at Lewis County High School.

MLConnect Broadband growing

Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is preparing to start Phase 3 of its project to make broadband internet an option for all its members. This phase has 29 sections (design areas) and includes the rural parts of Lewis and Perry counties. Construction is set to begin in December 2020 and will span approximately 14 months, with Meriwether Lewis Connect, LLC, in-home/business installations expected to start in April 2021.

City officially appoints new members to Board of Zoning Appeals and approves beer permit

The City Council officially replaced former Board of Zoning Appeals members Larry McCutcheon, Jerry Risner, June Defoe and Barbara Hinson during a City Council Meeting that occurred on September 1 at City Hall.

Lewis County native killed in plane crash

A Lewis County native, Capt. Jessica Naomi Wright, lost her life in a plane crash on September 8, 2020 in McMinnville. Capt. Wright was one of three Tennessee Air National Guardsmen killed in the crash near the Warren County Memorial Airport on Tuesday afternoon following lift-off in a Piper PA28.

LCMS Homecoming Attendants and Queen

Lewis County Middle School Homecoming is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17th. This year’s Homecoming Queen and attendants are LCMS Homecoming Queen Bendi Barnes sixth grade attendant Stailee Moseley, seventh grade attendant Anslea Emory, eighth grade attendant Riley Harper, crownbearer, Parker Carroll, and flower girl, Tanner Carroll.

Newly elected school board members sworn-in

Judge Mike Hinson swore in the Lewis County School Board members who were newly elected in the August 6, 2020 election before the regular monthly meeting on September 8, 2020. They are: Glenda Atkinson, Derek Cotham, Jackie Holt, Paula Dyer and Blake Farr.

Philbilly Cancer Ride a huge success

Nearly 100 bikers showed up to ride for the Lewis County Cancer Victims Fund last Saturday and headed for five different stops before returning to Hohenwald. People from all walks of life came together in the community and raised over $21,000 for the Cancer Victims Fund.

Lowery advances to State

Lewis County High School golfer Andon Lowery qualified for the 2020 TSSAA High School Golf Championships at Manchester’s WillowBrook Golf Club on September 29-30.

Lowery is the first Lewis County boys golfer to qualify for TSSAA State Tournament since 1992 when Shane Kimble advanced. Since 1987, only four boys have advanced for LCHS, Lowery (‘20), Kimble (‘92), Troy Barber (‘91), and Tommy Tiller (‘87).

Budget approved for airport runway reconstruction

The runway at the John A. Baker Airfield is the oldest in the state of Tennessee. A Tennessee Airport Inspection Report was made on July 14, 2020, stating that the runway “is in need of rehabilitation due to excess degradation,” and a project to rehabilitate it was recommended.

The project was sponsored by Commissioners Halfacre and Carroll. The Resolution passed with 13 commissioners voting yes, 0 voted no. T.J and Timmie Hinson both passed.

October

The Herbal Difference, LLC is officially open for business

Family and friends gathered at 118 Joe Avenue on Wednesday, Sept. 23, to celebrate the ribbon cutting of The Herbal Difference. Business owners, Heather Herdle and Maureen Rygiel, were nurses for over 30 years when they decided natural medicine was the way to go.

Scale Fees determined for Transfer Station

On Monday, September 21, the County Commission set the scale fees at three cents per pound, or $60 per ton in addition to the 250 lbs allotment.

Mike Wolfe and community leaders launch ‘Nashville’s Big Back Yard’

American Picker Mike Wolfe is joining leaders from 13 rural Middle Tennessee and Northwest Alabama communities to launch a new regional movement dubbed “Nashville’s Big Back Yard.”

Nashville’s Big Back Yard (NBBY) is a region anchored by 100 miles of the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway that connects communities with populations under 5,000 — from Leiper’s Fork, down to Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In the age of coronavirus, small communities are seeing a surge of interest from people who are drawn to rural living, remote work, and an affordable lifestyle.

Hohenwald will serve as the hub of the regional initiative.

Buffalo River Blueway Project begins

The Lewis County Government received the Governor’s Local Government Support Grant this year. Of those funds, $20,000 was used to purchase 4.5 acres of land at the intersection of the Mouth of Grinders Creek and the Buffalo River. That grant was one hundred percent funded by the State, requiring zero local tax dollars.

According to Mayor Keltner, the County plans to seek more grant money in 2021 so that this property may be developed as a park and float public access point, which would be the first of its kind in Lewis County.

Lewis County loses two more to COVID-19

As of Tuesday, October 12, Lewis County had 291 cases with 70 being active. Over the last seven days, the average percent positive cases was 16.3 percent, putting Lewis County in the red zone.

The death toll for the community rose to three over a short period of time. The community mourned the death of Floyd Tubbs as Lewis County’s first victim on July 24, 2020. Then within six days, Lewis County lost two, Harold Sublett and Barbara Clayton, October 6 and 12 respectively.

Oktoberfest cut short

Rain swept through middle Tennessee this year just as the Oktober Heritage Festival began due to Hurricanes Delta and Gamma, causing events on Main Street to close on Saturday, and the car show to be rescheduled for Saturday, October 24.

County appoints new commissioner

The County Commission met on Monday, Oct. 19 to discuss several orders of business. The first item on the agenda was to appoint a new commissioner in lieu of Mrs. Connie Sharp’s withdrawal from her seat.

Johnny Booker and Doug Jobbitt waited to hear the outcome inside the courtroom as Sandra Clayton announced that Doug Jobbitt had won the seat eight votes to seven.

Street dedicated to Vietnam War Veteran Rodger D. McDonald

Fellow veterans, community leaders, friends and family members gathered together at Joe Avenue on Saturday, October 17, 2020 to dedicate the street in memory of SP/4 Rodger E. McDonald. SP/4 McDonald, a dedicated public servant, passed away suddenly on October 16, 2019.

Early Voting Turnout exceeds expectations

A total of 2,025 people in Lewis County have already voted as of Tuesday morning, before print day. That’s more than double the turnout of the 2016 early voting!

Isbell reported that there are 8,326 registered voters for Lewis County this year. Last year there were 7,627 registered voters.

The Strand Marquee

The Strand Marquee was put up by Scarlette Woodall and Kevin King on the week of October 22.

Landers named Executive Director of Nashville’s Big Back Yard

Hohenwald native Debbie Landers has been named executive director of Nashville’s Big Back Yard, the new regional movement promoting rural quality of life and tourism in a dozen small communities in Middle Tennessee and The Shoals region of North Alabama.

COVID cases continue to rise in Lewis County

COVID-19 cases in Lewis County and Tennessee continue to rise. At 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, it was reported Lewis County had 422 positive cases with 117 being active. With the recent deaths of Wanda Lomax and Jane West, the death total rose to five for the county.

November

Panthers Region 5AA Champs

The Lewis County High School Panthers were host to the Forrest Rockets on Friday night, October 30 for the Region 5AA Championship. The Panthers, undefeated on the season, took on the 2019 Region 5AA champions who came in with a 6-3 record and undefeated in region play.

Cardboard Recycling Program a huge success

The Lewis County Solid Waste Department announced that there are now 53 businesses and organizations in Lewis County participating in its Cardboard Recycling Program!

The county recently sold over 21 tons of recycled cardboard, which generated over $1,500 in revenue. The county also saved over $1,500 in hauling and disposal fees, so just that one trailer load of cardboard bales had a positive impact of over $3,000 in our Solid Waste Budget.

State Medical Board orders professional probation for Dr. Joey Hensley

On Wednesday, November 4, 2020, a state medical board ordered professional probation for the medical license of Tennessee Senator Dr. Joey Hensley, a punishment described by his attorney as “the death penalty” for Hensley’s decades-long career as a small town doctor.

Local business woman, Robin Jobbitt, loses her battle with cancer

On the evening of November 6, 2020, local business woman, Robin Marie Riordan Jobbitt, left this earthly world at the age of 54 after a short battle of cancer. Her generosity continued even after her passing when she became an organ donor to help those in need.

Hohenwald man arrested following TBI Child Pornography Investigation

Special Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Technical Services Unit have arrested and charged Hohenwald man, Dylan Wilson, accused of possessing and transmitting child pornography.

Update on Buffalo River Blueway Trail Project

Lewis County Commissioner Austin Carroll, County Mayor Jonah Keltner, Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Landers, and Highway Commissioner Joyce Holt met with Tennessee Wildlife officials and engineers at the boat ramp on Highway 99 at the mouth of Griners last week to discuss the ideas of revamping the area with a new boat ramp and picnic area, not just at this site but possibly five other sites.

Scale fees, voting machines and radio repeaters

A resolution passed that established the scale fee for trees, brush, concrete, bricks, rocks and other non-pit material at $0.01 per pound or $20 per ton following the discussion at the Solid Waste Committee meeting on November 2.

After consideration, a resolution was brought before the commission to lower the $0.03 scale fees for those who are bringing in remains of old homes, broken down barns and dilapidated commercial buildings in Lewis County. This resolution moved new money from the County General Fund into the Communications line in the Emergency Management Agency’s budget to pay for a back-up radio system for First Responders.

New Lewis County Justice Center to open in early 2021

“Barring any unforeseen events, we’re hoping to open up this new Lewis County Justice Center sometime in the Spring of 2021. This will take away nearly all of the third floor in the old courthouse, leaving the old courtroom itself available once a month or more for Commissioner meetings. All the new court cases will be held in the new building. However, you will still pay property taxes, vehicle registration etc. in the old building,” continued Keltner.

One killed, two injured in Perry County crash

The Lewis County community has suffered a hard loss as one of our own young people has passed from this life in a car wreck Sunday night, November 22.

Twenty-four year old Kolton Maze was killed at the scene. William Hickerson and a juvenile sustained injuries.

Unemployment steadily decreases in Hohenwald

From mid-April to mid-May, Lewis County had record unemployment claims of 706 on average. That’s nearly six percent of the county’s total population.

Last week the U.S. Department of Labor revealed that Lewis County’s rate of unemployment had dropped dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. There were 66 continued week claims and 18 total initial claims, making a total of 84 unemployment claims.

December

Meet Parade Grand Marshal Tonya Woodward

Each year, the South Central Area Fair Board chooses a Grand Marshal for their Christmas parade. The decision is never a difficult one in our little town as we have an abundance of good-hearted, worthy individuals. This year’s choice is Tonya Woodward: Hohenwald transplant turned staple.

“Bo Duke” and the General Lee came to town

The Christmas Parade was postponed due to rain, but John Schneider brought out hundreds of Lewis Countians for a one-man parade through Main Street while being chased by local police.

Santa is coming to town

Lewis County Elks Lodge is bringing Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves to town on Saturday, December 12.

Jonesy’s Toy Ride benefits local churches and charities

Jonesy’s Toy Ride, held December 5 in Hohenwald, managed to raise a further $14,000, along with around 1,300 toys, all of which will be distributed within the Lewis County community.

Malone retires after 35 years

Bud Malone retired from Lewis County Farm Bureau after 35 years of service. Malone began his career with Farm Bureau in 1985. A retirement party was held December 1, 2020, in his honor, and also for Debbie Conner and Saundra Escue, who also retired.

Positive COVID-19 cases hit over 1,000 for Lewis County

Lewis County’s numbers surpassed the one thousand mark with reports showing on Sunday that the county had 1,071 positive cases, 19 deaths, 30 hospitalized and 134 active cases. Over the last seven days, the average positive percentage has risen to 20 percent.

Elks Lodge delivers Christmas gifts

The Lewis County Elks received a $1000 Grant from The Tennessee Elks Association (TEA). The local lodge chose to use the Community Outreach Grant as an opportunity to serve the elderly with approximately 40 gift baskets, all hand delivered.

Bobby W. Sharp named Coach of the Year

Coaches from Region 5-2A recently announced the post-season all-region team and superlative awards. Lewis County High School Head Coach Bobby Sharp was selected Coach of the Year, and his assistants received Staff of the Year.

COVID Vaccines in Lewis County

The first round of COVID-19 vaccinations have now been administered. As of December 25, about 125 people have now been vaccinated in Lewis County.

Lewis County loses 911 communication after explosion

A recreational vehicle parked in the deserted streets of downtown Nashville exploded early Christmas morning, causing widespread communication outages that took down police emergency 911 operations, AT&T and T-Mobile cell phones, internet services, and networks inside major regional hospitals throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri.

Lewis County’s 911 was completely out of commission beginning around 9 a.m. Christmas morning. As of Monday, Lewis County dispatch could receive 911 calls but the system was not fully up and running properly.