Grace and Mercy Ministries is holding a Drive-Thru BBQ Fundraiser at Market Park Pavilion in Athens on Thursday, July 24th from 11:30 am - 1 pm. They will be serving Pulled Pork, Slaw, Baked Beans, Chips and a Dessert for $10 per plate. You may pay with either Cash or through PayPal. Call 423-920-1367 for any pre-orders.

McMinn County residents are seeing welcome relief at the pump this summer, as gas prices continue to hover near some of the lowest levels in the country. The average price for a gallon of gas in McMinn County is currently $2.72—well below the national average of $3.17 and among the lowest in the Southeast. Tennessee as a whole ranks sixth among the nation’s least expensive fuel markets, with a statewide average of $2.82 per gallon. These prices are in line with July 2021 levels, marking a four-year low for summer travel season. The dip is largely attributed to strong global oil supply and relatively steady demand, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Nationally, gasoline demand increased last week from 8.64 to 9.15 million barrels per day, while domestic supply fell slightly. Despite that, gasoline production ramped up, averaging 9.9 million barrels daily. While Tennessee drivers are benefiting from cheaper gas, they’re also paying more than most for electric vehicle charging. At an average of 46 cents per kilowatt hour, Tennessee ranks third in the nation for highest public EV charging costs, behind only West Virginia and Alaska. With summer road trips underway, McMinn County drivers are among the few across the U.S. enjoying both scenic drives and budget-friendly fuel. Source: AAAgasprices.com

McMinn County arts and cultural institutions have been awarded a total of $65,200 in state grant funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission for Fiscal Year 2026, which runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The grants are part of the first round of awards for the fiscal year and will support programs that preserve and promote the area’s artistic and cultural heritage. Local recipients include the Athens Area Council for the Arts, receiving $39,700; the Etowah Arts Commission, awarded $5,600; the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, which will receive $8,100; and the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association, awarded $11,800. These grants are part of a larger statewide initiative. The Tennessee Arts Commission expects to distribute up to $12.3 million in funding through approximately 1,000 grants across all 95 counties, supporting a wide range of programs in both rural and urban communities. Funding decisions are made through a review process involving citizen advisory panels with expertise in arts disciplines and final approval by the full Commission. Additional grant opportunities remain available throughout the year, including the Arts Build Communities and Student Ticket Subsidy programs. The Tennessee Arts Commission reports that the state’s nonprofit arts and culture sector contributes $1.4 billion annually to the economy while enhancing education, tourism, and quality of life for residents across the state. More information on available grant programs can be found at tnartscommission.org.