2026 Tennessee vacation guide released
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development released the 2026 Vacation Guide heavily focused on Dolly Parton’s impact on the state’s tourism industry. The 150-page magazine, produced by Franklin-based Journal Communications, Inc., is distributed to an estimated 500,000 visitors annually and helps boost local tourism by serving as a how-to travel guide for visitors, said TDTD […]
‘Let’s Be Blount’ podcast bridges old, new in growing county
Blount County is growing fast, and with this growth comes struggles. Realtors Brett Heppner and Eric Rice didn’t just understand that growth requires understanding — they launched a multiyear podcast project to help connect newcomers to the rich history and deep sense of community that many people cherish. Since launching the Let’s Be Blount Podcast […]
Lessons from the leadership learning lab
By Trevis Gardner Founder & Principle of Blockhouse Services Group Leadership is often described as the secret sauce of success. As we look at businesses, churches, governments, organizations or practically any collection or assembly of people who are linked by a common purpose, we can see examples where strong leadership enabled success in circumstances where […]
Real Estate Transfers
Download Original PDF FEBRUARY 22-28, 2026 (Source: Blount County Register of Deeds) $1,000,000+ Winterpast Development Topside, LLC transferred to Ardmore 23, LLC | Winterpast Subdivision; Lot: 1; Acres 15.89; and Lot: 4; Acres: 1.22; District: 11 | 1516 Topside Rd., Alcoa | $4,742,500 Laquita F. McInturff transferred to Perry James Brown and Melissa G. Brown […]
Maryville Housing Authority to Increase Low-Income Housing Opportunities in 2026
Maryville Housing Development Corporation announced it will break ground this month on a $3 million, 11-unit housing complex near the Blount County Health Department on McNabb Place. The development will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments. The project is part of a broader effort to improve existing properties and expand affordable housing options […]
GSMP Survives Proposed Funding Cuts
The National Park System remained open and funded thanks to federal appropriations approved Jan. 23, despite a partial government shutdown in early February. The Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act ensured $2.88 billion in funding for the country’s national parks through the end of FY2026 – a figure mostly steady with […]
Zoning Ordinance Changes Streamline Permit Processes and References, Control Density
A new version of Louisville’s zoning ordinances approved Jan. 13 will increase clarity for developers, according to city staff. The new document collects amendments to its outdated predecessor and consolidates the regulatory framework to streamline permitting and reference. Business owners, Louisville Building and Codes Official Barry Otinger said, can now expect “clarification of what the […]
Townsend eyes permit change to reduce event uncertainty, streamline approvals
Townsend staff said a proposed ordinance would shift special event permit approvals from a public vote by the Townsend Commission to an administrative review by city staff, a change officials say is intended to streamline the process without increasing the number of events. Under the new framework, applications would be reviewed administratively by the city […]
New Businesses | January 2026
December 2025 0 January 2026 0 YTD 0 Source: Blount County Clerk’s Office Minimal License = $3,000 – $99,999 Gross Receipts Regular License = $100,000+ Gross Receipts Alcoa (9) A Team Carpentry Remodeling LLC | 1796 Dalton St., Alcoa, TN 37701 | Austin A Ayers | Regular DJD Trucking LLC | 135 Andy Carr […]
Blount County School Board Approves Restroom Updates, Security Vestibule Construction
Restrooms in the Heritage High School commons area will be updated, and security vestibules will be constructed at seven county schools after the Blount County Board of Education approved funding for the projects. Planning for a new elementary school in Walland, however, was put on hold at the Feb. 5 meeting to allow board members […]