Latest stories by Ron Clayton

New Athens mayor discusses priorities

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008

New Mayor Hal Buttram said Wednesday the Athens City Council needs to focus its time and energy on things that may affect the city’s future.

McMinn County school seeks boost for soccer boosters

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008

Since soccer began at McMinn County’s Central High School, spectators have watched from chairs set up on a hill above the field.

Buttram chosen Athens, Tenn., mayor

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008

Councilman Hal Buttram is the city’s new mayor.

Chattanooga: Police officer turned musician opens downtown recording studio

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008

When musicians think of recording, Nashville usually comes to mind. But area bands are beginning to change that since Mark Hutchinson moved his Legacy Production’s studio from Lebanon, Tenn., to downtown Athens, Tenn.

Athens drops recycling of plastics

Monday, Nov. 17, 2008

A plastic collection program begun last February by the city of Athens has been put on hold due to low petroleum prices and a lack of demand for plastic consumer goods.

Hiwassee: Riding to save hemlocks

Hiwassee trip raises funds for conservation effot

Monday, Nov. 17, 2008

Dr. Gary Schneider says he’s keeping an eye out for woolly adelgids in the Eastern hemlocks that surround his cabin on Mount Hood near the Hiwassee River.

Athens council may look again at complete skateboard ban

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008

ATHENS, Tenn. — A new city park was supposed to keep skateboarders off the streets and private property in downtown Athens.

Polk County loses rafting tax suit

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008

Polk County officials said Wednesday an appeals court ruling blocking a tax on Ocoee River rafting will damage the county’s budget.

Tennessee: Alvey grilled at Athens meeting

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008

Some City Council members on Monday challenged Councilwoman Shannon Alvey to produce evidence to support allegations of city government corruption she made on Election Day.

McMinn County: Seized bus becomes police command center

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008

A tour bus has been given to the McMinn County Sheriff’s Department to use as a command post, thanks to a Mexican drug cartel whose nervous driver couldn’t keep the vehicle straight on Interstate 75.