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Cocke County Partnership meet
Members of the Cocke County Partnership and Economic Development Commission, met Thursday to talk about recent developments. Glenn Ray, Chair of the Partnership Board, reported that an expansion of the TWRA boat ramp at Douglas Lake has been approved and will be constructed by TDOT. The northside expansion will add 20 parking spaces to the current 40 sites. Partnership President Lucas Graham said the additional parking will facilitate development of the lake bank to Walters Bridge, and should make it easier for the local community to attract large fishing tournaments. There is a drainage and drudging study underway currently to increase drainage and reduce flooding in the downtown area. Concrete walls will force water into the middle of the Pigeon River and also provide an ideal fishing location. Plans are to also remove islands in the Pigeon River to increase flow and to remove a catch-all for floating debris. Graham also announced that a new computer system, and upgraded websites should make marketing the community easier. The system includes a centrally located listing of area commercial, industrial and retail sites. Included in the upgraded tourism site is a listing of local rentals, including cabins. A re-vamped Newport/Cocke County Industrial Development Board is in place and Graham says it's goal is to "make Cocke County the most attractive place in the region to do business." It will meet at 6 pm on July 26 at Newport City Hall, reportedly to consider tax abatement's for three local firms that plan expansions. The body approved a plan by Graham to implement a bonus for employees who develop projects that create revenue for the department. "Currently there is no way to reward employees for great ideas," he said. Tourism Director Linda Lewanski reported that a program in conjunction with Pittman Center is promoting our area as "The Adventurous side of the Smokies." A website promoting the theme is receiving lots of visits. Plans for a bike trail are being reviewed with an eye to reducing liability for the county, by calling them adventure trails. The looped configurations will allow riders to choose the length of their trip.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The fireflies are coming!
Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
Traffic stop yields drug arrest
Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
Mathis announces candidacy
Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
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