🏛️ Courthouse Corner: Valmont Brings 84 New Jobs to Jasper, Hamilton County Plans Apison's First Roundabout With No Local Road Money, Red Bank Names Its Central Park, and Sequatchie's Records Meeting Moves to Oct. 29

Or: A Plain-English Friday Look at More Paychecks Close to Home, a Safer Corner by the Schools, a New Name on an Old School Lot, One Local Meeting on a New Date and the Results Still on the Way

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Friday, October 23, 2026

Friday’s courthouse news is like a good garden at the end of the season: one big pumpkin and a few tidy rows. The big pumpkin is in Marion County, where the state and Valmont Industries announced 84 new jobs at the company’s Jasper plant. In Hamilton County, the county laid out plans for Apison’s first roundabout, paid with federal money, and is asking for written comments. Red Bank settled on a name for its downtown park site. Here at home, the Sequatchie County Records Commission meeting slid a week, to Oct. 29. And we’re still waiting on three results.

Here’s what’s in this eighteenth Courthouse Corner in Plain English: Valmont’s Jasper expansion, Hamilton County’s Apison roundabout and a building sale change, Red Bank’s commission decisions, a Whitwell street note, and what we’re still waiting on, plus the week ahead.

We label each item Local (Sequatchie County or Dunlap), Neighbors (nearby counties) or Statewide/Federal. Facts come from local news reports, government websites and official notices, linked in each section. Items on an agenda have not been voted on yet. This is not an endorsement of any official, candidate or proposal.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Jasper jobs: Valmont plans 84 new jobs and a $45 million investment at its Marion County plant, announced Fri., Oct. 23.
• Apison roundabout: A $3,456,000 roundabout at East Brainerd Road and London Lane, paid with federal disaster-relief money. Written comments due Thu., Nov. 5.
• Red Bank: The old school site at 3715 Dayton Boulevard is now Red Bank Central Park.
• Local: Sequatchie County Records Commission moved to Thu., Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m., upstairs at the courthouse.
• Remember: Absentee ballot requests due tomorrow, Sat., Oct. 24. Early voting ends Thu., Oct. 29. Election Day is Tue., Nov. 3.

🏭 Neighbors: Valmont Will Add 84 Jobs and $45 Million at Its Jasper Plant

On Friday, Oct. 23, Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Governor and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Valmont Industries announced that the company will expand its Marion County plant again, according to the state’s announcement, also published by Chattanoogan.com.

• The numbers: 84 new jobs and a $45 million investment in Jasper.
• What they make: Engineered steel transmission, distribution and substation structures for the utility industry, the big poles and frames that hold up power lines.
• A promise kept early: In 2024, Valmont pledged 80 new jobs and more than $6 million at Jasper. The state says the company met that job goal nearly three years early.
• Homegrown workers: In 2019, Valmont became the first manufacturing plant in Tennessee to set up a welding pre-apprenticeship program at local high schools. More than 80 students have finished it, and the state says about 65% to 70% of graduates have been hired full time at the Jasper plant.

Marion County Mayor David Jackson said the expansion “gives our citizens an opportunity to work at home instead of having to travel out of the county.” TVA and Sequatchie Valley Electric Cooperative also congratulated the company.

What it means for you: This is like the feed store down the road adding a second shift. When a plant grows close by, folks can drive 20 minutes to work instead of an hour, and that money gets spent at local diners, hardware stores and churches. If you have a teenager who likes working with their hands, ask their high school counselor about welding classes. Valmont’s track record shows those classes can lead straight to a paycheck. The announcement didn’t give a hiring start date, so watch for job postings from the company.

👉 Read more (Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development: Valmont expansion) · Chattanoogan.com

🔄 Neighbors: Hamilton County Plans Apison’s First Roundabout, Paid With Federal Money

Hamilton County plans to turn the intersection of East Brainerd Road and London Lane in Apison into a single-lane roundabout, according to a county public notice reported Friday, Oct. 23, by Chattanoogan.com.

• Why: The notice says the project is meant to ease congestion, keep traffic moving and make the intersection safer as the area grows. County Trustee Bill Hullander, who has lived on London Lane all his life, told Chattanoogan.com it can be hard to pull onto East Brainerd Road, especially with traffic to and from nearby East Hamilton Middle and High.
• Cost: Engineers estimate $3,456,000. The work will stay on the existing roadway and right of way.
• Who pays: County officials said it’s paid entirely with federal disaster-relief dollars through a Community Development Block Grant, with no local match and no money from the county roads fund.
• Your say: Because federal money is involved and the site touches a floodplain and wetland, the county must take public comments. Written comments must be received on or before Thu., Nov. 5 by Hamilton County Development Services, Attn. Autumn Friday, 1250 Market Street, Suite 3046, Chattanooga, TN 37402, or by email at rjohnson@sedev.org.

Separately, Chattanoogan.com reported that the county has dropped its $6.5 million minimum bid for the Business Development Center on Manufacturers Road. Officials said the change came after talks with their broker, “to encourage broader conversations about the property and its highest and best use.” The county plans to sell the building and set up a “tech hub” in part of the Gateway Building, which will also include a technical school.

What it means for you: A roundabout is a bit like folks taking turns at the church door after service. Nobody stops dead, everybody yields a little, and the line keeps moving. If you drive through Apison to Collegedale or Chattanooga, this corner should get easier down the road. Nothing changes this week. The comment period is just the paperwork step before federal money is spent.

👉 Read more (Chattanoogan.com: Apison getting its first roundabout) · Chattanoogan.com: County drops minimum bid

🌳 Neighbors: Red Bank Names Its Downtown Park and Looks After Long-Time Retirees

The Red Bank Board of Commissioners took these actions, Chattanoogan.com reported Thursday, Oct. 22:

• A park name: The future park at the former school site, 3715 Dayton Boulevard, will be called Red Bank Central Park. A naming survey gathered public suggestions. How the park will be used isn’t decided yet, but work has begun on restoring utilities and building accessible amenities.
• Retirees’ insurance: A resolution continues 100% payment of health, dental and vision insurance premium supplements for retirees who worked full time for the city at least 30 years, for the employee only, with conditions including an age limit.
• Police equipment: Up to $85,000 with Dana Safety Supply for equipment and installation in five police vehicles.
• Guardrails: Two guardrail repairs along Dayton Boulevard for $16,793, already budgeted from the State Street Aid fund.
• Budget update: A budget amendment for $51,544 in unbudgeted costs from the fund balance, including $30,000 to buy property from Red Bank United Methodist Church and costs tied to a land donation.

City Manager Martin Granum also reported that a separate park application, for land next to Fire Station #2, was found satisfactory by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

What it means for you: Naming a park is like naming a new calf: it doesn’t change much that day, but it means everybody’s planning to keep it. Red Bank residents can expect more news as the city decides what goes on that lot.

👉 Read more (Chattanoogan.com: Red Bank Central Park)

🚧 Neighbors: Whitwell Says an Unapproved Speed Bump Will Come Out

An unauthorized speed bump installed on Jewell Lane in Whitwell is to be removed following action by the city board, the Marion County Tribune reported Wednesday, Oct. 21. The full story is for Tribune subscribers.

What it means for you: City streets are like a shared driveway: the town has to sign off on what goes in them, partly so plows, ambulances and school buses can get through safely. If speeding is a worry on your street, call City Hall and ask how to request traffic help the proper way.

👉 Read more (Marion County Tribune: Unauthorized speed bump to be removed from Jewell Lane)

⏳ Local + Neighbors: What We’re Still Waiting On, and Your Week Ahead

One local update first. The Sequatchie County Records Commission, set for last night, has been rescheduled to Thursday, Oct. 29, at 5:30 p.m., upstairs at the Sequatchie County Courthouse, 22 Cherry Street, according to a county notice dated Oct. 22.

We report results only once we can confirm them. As of Friday afternoon, these were still not posted:

• Dunlap’s Main Street rezoning (Local): The city board met Thu., Oct. 15, with Ordinance No. 321 (1466 and 1494 Main Street) on the agenda. The city’s website still shows only the agenda. City Hall: (423) 949-2115, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Bledsoe County Commission (Neighbors): Met Mon., Oct. 19. Official results aren’t posted on the county website yet. Mayor’s office: (423) 447-6855.
• Marion County School Board (Neighbors): Met Thu., Oct. 22, in Jasper. The agenda included a new teacher agreement for 2026–2029 and a bus contract through the 2030–31 school year. Results haven’t been reported yet.

Next week:

• Sat., Oct. 24 — Last day to request an absentee ballot. Sequatchie early voting is open weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.–noon.
• Mon., Oct. 26, 6 p.m. — Marion County Commission, Lawson Building, Jasper. Same evening: a Rhea County Commission special called meeting, 6 p.m., Phil Swafford Building conference room, Dayton.
• Wed., Oct. 28 — Hamilton County Commission, County Courthouse, Chattanooga.
• Thu., Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m. — Sequatchie County Records Commission (new date), courthouse, Dunlap. Also the last day of early voting.

What it means for you: Waiting on a result is like waiting on a letter from a cousin. It’ll come, but a phone call gets you the news sooner.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County: News and Notices) · City of Dunlap: Oct. 15 agenda · Bledsoe County: Oct. 19 agenda · Marion County school board meeting

🗓️ Dates to Put on the Fridge

• Sat., Oct. 24 (tomorrow): Absentee ballot request deadline. Medicine take-back day, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at participating sites.
• Mon., Oct. 26: Marion County Commission, 6 p.m., Jasper. Rhea County special called commission meeting, 6 p.m., Dayton.
• Tue., Oct. 27: Sequatchie County school board working session.
• Wed., Oct. 28: Hamilton County Commission.
• Thu., Oct. 29: Last day of early voting. Sequatchie Records Commission, 5:30 p.m.
• Sat., Oct. 31, 5–7 p.m.: Scare on the Square, Harris Park, Dunlap. Free.
• Sun., Nov. 1: Clocks fall back one hour.
• Mon., Nov. 2: Sequatchie County school board regular meeting.
• Tue., Nov. 3: Election Day.
• Thu., Nov. 5: Written comments due on the Apison roundabout.
• Mon., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.: Sequatchie County Commission, courthouse.

✅ Your Courthouse Corner Checklist

• ✅ Need an absentee ballot? Request it by tomorrow, Sat., Oct. 24. Voting early in person? Go before Thu., Oct. 29, and bring your photo ID.
• ✅ Know someone looking for steady work near Jasper? Tell them “Valmont, 84 new jobs” and to watch for postings.
• ✅ Have a high schooler in Marion County? Ask the counselor about the welding pre-apprenticeship.
• ✅ Drive through Apison? If you want a say on the roundabout, get written comments in by Thu., Nov. 5.
• ✅ Planning to attend the Sequatchie Records Commission? Cross out Oct. 22 and write in Thu., Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m.
• ✅ Live near 1466 or 1494 Main Street? Call Dunlap City Hall at (423) 949-2115 to ask how Ordinance No. 321 came out.
• ✅ Burning leaves this fall? Get your free state burn permit the day you burn, at BurnSafeTN.org or 877-350-BURN (2876). Permits are required Oct. 15 through May 15.

Practical rule: When a meeting date changes, fix the calendar on the fridge the same day. A date you correct right away is a date you won’t miss.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Courthouse Glossary

• Pre-apprenticeship: A training program, often in high school, that teaches the basics of a trade so students are ready for a real job or a full apprenticeship.
• Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD): The state office that works to bring and keep jobs in Tennessee.
• Roundabout: A circular intersection where traffic flows one way around a center island and drivers yield as they enter, instead of stopping at a light.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Federal money passed to local governments for community projects. Some of it is set aside for disaster recovery.
• Local match: The share of a project a local government has to pay to receive a grant. The Apison roundabout has none.
• Public comment period: A window of time when anyone can send in written views before a government acts.
• Minimum bid: The lowest price a seller will accept at a sale. Dropping it opens the door to more offers.
• Budget amendment: A change to the budget after it’s adopted, often moving money from one line to another.
• Records Commission: A county board that decides how long government records are kept and how old ones are handled.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When will Valmont start hiring for the new Jasper jobs?

Friday’s announcement didn’t give a hiring start date. Watch Valmont’s job postings and local news, and check with the Marion County mayor’s office for updates.

Will the Apison roundabout raise county taxes or take money from other road projects?

County officials said the project is paid entirely with federal disaster-relief dollars, with no local match and no money from the county roads fund. They said they remain confident that projects on the roads fund list will be finished with existing money.

How do I comment on the Apison roundabout?

Send written comments so they arrive on or before Thu., Nov. 5, to Hamilton County Development Services, Attn. Autumn Friday, 1250 Market Street, Suite 3046, Chattanooga, TN 37402, or email rjohnson@sedev.org. The phone number listed in the notice is 423-209-6100.

What will Red Bank Central Park have in it?

That hasn’t been decided. Chattanoogan.com reported only that the park will provide recreational, community and civic benefits, and that utilities and accessible amenities are being prepared.

Why did the Sequatchie County Records Commission move?

The county’s notice didn’t give a reason. It says only that the meeting was rescheduled to Thursday, Oct. 29, at 5:30 p.m., upstairs at the courthouse.

Did Dunlap approve the Main Street rezoning?

As of Friday afternoon, Oct. 23, the result of Ordinance No. 321 wasn’t posted on the city’s website. Call Dunlap City Hall at (423) 949-2115, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’ll report the outcome once we can confirm it.

🔗 Other Resources

• TNECD: Valmont Industries to Expand Manufacturing Presence in Marion County
• Chattanoogan.com: Apison Getting Its 1st Roundabout
• Chattanoogan.com: County Drops $6.5 Million Minimum Bid for Business Development Center
• Chattanoogan.com: Red Bank Central Park
• Marion County Tribune: Jewell Lane Speed Bump
• Sequatchie County News and Notices
• City of Dunlap Government
• Marion County Meeting Calendar
• TN Wildland Fire: Get a Burn Permit
• GoVoteTN: sample ballots, polling places and hours
• Dunlap.Directory: free local business listings

🌿 Keep Learning, Stay Calm

This week ends on good, steady news: more jobs in the Valley, a safer corner by the schools paid with outside money, a new park name and one meeting date to fix on the calendar. None of it asks anything hard of you today. If you haven’t requested your absentee ballot and need one, tomorrow is the day. Then pass one piece of good news to a neighbor. For more calm, practical Sequatchie Valley reporting, keep reading Dunlap.Today.