Visitors to the spring 2026 Clinch River Spring Antique Festival check out items at one of the vendor booths lining and filling Market Street. The spring event was a return to Market Street after the area was closed for most of 2025. - G. Chambers Williams III
Outsiders coming to Anderson County for shopping, sightseeing, lake activities and more generated $207 million in spending in 2025 during their time here, according to a new study released by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
That estimated spending was up 3.9% over that of the 2024 Tourism Economics study, the state agency said.
It also gave Anderson County a ranking of 15th among the state’s 95 counties in visitor spending, up from 16th in 2024.
Such an increase could be considered a surprise, considering that Clinton’s biggest tourism economic generator – the nationally renowned antique shops in the historic downtown area – had to deal with a shutdown of Market Street for nearly all of the year to accommodate a $5.9 million street and sidewalk improvement project.
Both the Republican and Democratic parties will field their own candidates to run for the District 8 seat on the Anderson County Commission in a special election on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
During a specil caucus Friday evening, the Democrats chose Gina Grubb as their candidate.
Besides independent candidate Phil Yager, who was one of two incumbents in District 8 until last week, there will be one Republican and one Democrat running for the seat, along with any other independents who file to run by the noon deadline today (Wednesday, Sept. 9).
The winning candidate will fill the seat that was won by Democrat Elizabeth “Liz” Henry in the Aug 6 county general election.
Henry chose not to take the position, and did not appear last week (Sept. 1) to be sworn in along with other county candidates who won positions in the general election.
As of Friday afternoon, Yager was the only candidate who had successfully filed a petition to be on the Nov. 3 ballot as an independent, according to county Elections Administrator Mark Stephens.
Rick Meredith has announced his candidacy for the Ward 1 seat on the Clinton City Council.
Meredith has served in leadership roles focused on community development and public service for more than 30 years. He currently serves as president of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce.
Meredith also served with the state of Tennessee as assistant commissioner of the Community Development Division for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. In this capacity, he oversaw the Main Street, Retire Tennessee and Three-Star programs, along with initiatives related to energy policy, local planning, and grants and loans. He also served as president of County Officials of Tennessee.
Today Cathie Auxier officially announced her candidacy for Clinton City Council, Ward 3, launching a campaign focused on protecting the Constitutional rights of citizens of Clinton, transparency from our local government, and bringing real results to the people of Clinton through active engagement with other council members and a commitment to accessibility.
The campaign will focus on the issue of Flock cameras and advocate for policy controlling their usage and protection of the rights and privacy of Clinton citizens, the condition of our streets, safety on our streets, and beautification of our community.
Cathie is a retired CPA with experience in public and corporate accounting. She was an active volunteer in school fundraising with the PTO and spent 5 years on the Board of the Athletic Booster Club.
Cathie was a frequent attendee and speaker at Memphis City Council and Shelby County Commission meetings on various issues ranging from Smart Meters, utility company budgets, raises for Memphis Police and Fire employees, and zoning issues. Cathie participated and spoke on these issues at many community events through visits to neighborhoods and churches.
Cathie and her husband are both accounting graduates of Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). Both are retired.
Cathie and her husband of 40 years moved to South Clinton in 2019 to be closer to their grandchildren.
“I am passionate about community involvement and government effectiveness. I would work hard to represent the issues and needs of every citizen of Clinton”
Flock cameras have been a topic of controversy in communities throughout the country. Anderson County residents have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the use of the cameras in Clinton on Thursday night, Sept. 10.
As Flock cameras are raising opposition across the nation from the public and local governments, Anderson County is holding a meeting to let people give their opinions.
The meeting, held by the Anderson County Operations Committee, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 10) at Clinton High School’s auditorium at 425 Dragon Drive.
Anderson County’s government has four Flock cameras – three mounted on poles in stationary positions, and a fourth portable one, according to county Mayor Terry Frank.
However, other Flock cameras in the county are privately owned or belong to city governments, such as Clinton’s.
Frank has said she hopes the county could advocate for a “strong regulatory framework on the use of this technology.”
Flock cameras detect motion and record license plate information of passing vehicles.
The city of Clinton is looking for employee of the quarter nominees from citizens.
“Our City employees play a vital role in serving our community,” an announcement stated. “If you’ve witnessed an employee go the extra mile, provide outstanding service, or make a meaningful impact, take a moment to recognize them by nominating them for Employee of the Quarter.”
You can make your nomination at www.clintontn.net/employee. The city is looking for specific answers regarding the names, places, times and details of moments or substantial impact within the workplace or community. An employee is eligible for one quarterly award per calendar year.
Zoning and Planning
The next city of Clinton Zoning and Planning Commission meeting will be Sept. 14 5:30 p.m. at Clinton City Hall 100 N Bowling St Clinton, TN 37716. The BZA Agenda is at https://aptg.co/xq2Mgd. ThePC Agenda is at https://aptg.co/Shd6xL
City Council and Beer Permit Board
The Clinton Beer Permit Board will meet Sept. 28, 2026 5:30 p.m. at Clinton City Hall 100 N Bowling Street to hear a request for a Class “E” Special Event permit from Anderson County Animal Rescue, Katrina Hall, 124 Lone River Lane Clinton, TN. The public is invited to attend and will be heard.
Immediately after that in the same place, Clinton City Council will have its regular meeting.
Jerry Shattuck, Clinton High School football team captain, spoke at First Baptist Church at an event honoring the Clinton 12. - Judy Roitman
It’s the 70th anniversary of the Clinton 12 entering Clinton High School, a milestone for civil rights, not just in Clinton but for the whole country.
In August 1956, these Black students were the first to attend a municipal public school in the South, although the federally-run Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High School desegregated the previous year.
Two events marked the anniversary of the Clinton 12 in Clinton on Saturday Aug. 29.
First Baptist Church screened a documentary about the Clinton 12 to a crowd of more than 170 people.
Speaking at the event were Clinton 12 member Minnie Ann Dickie; Jerry Shattuck, the 1950s Clinton High School Dragons football team captain; and Alan Jones, pastor ar First Baptist Church.
“There was a great turnout,” said Amanda Taylor, who helped organize the event. “I was thrilled that we had so many people associated with the Clinton 12 there.”
