🏛️ Courthouse Corner: Monday Is Meeting Night in Dunlap, TVA Keeps Its CEO and Names a President, Lookout Mountain Talks E-Bike Safety, Its Georgia Neighbor Picks a New City Manager and Tennessee Gets Year Two of Rural Health Money

Or: a quick refresher before Monday night, a steady hand staying put at the power company, a “charge it outside” reminder from the mountain, a hand-off at a small city hall and another round of rural health money. Here it is in plain English, with the week’s dates at the bottom.

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Sunday, November 15, 2026 · Courthouse Corner in Plain English #41

Sunday courthouse news is like laying your clothes out the night before. Nothing’s happening yet, but Monday goes smoother when you already know where everything is. As always we sort things into approved, not approved and coming up, and label each one Local (Sequatchie County), Neighbors (nearby counties and towns) or Regional/Statewide.

Here’s the short stack. The Sequatchie County Commission meets Monday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m. in Dunlap, and Van Buren County and the Marion County School Board meet the same night. The TVA board kept Mike Skaggs as CEO for good, and Tom Rice becomes TVA president on Monday. Leaders in Lookout Mountain, Tenn., talked about e-bike, scooter and golf cart safety. Across the state line, Lookout Mountain, Ga., approved Kevin Leckenby as its next city manager. Tennessee received $210.3 million for year two of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. And the state Senate’s majority caucus picked its nominee for the next Senate speaker.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Sequatchie County residents: Commission meets Mon., Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the courthouse courtroom in Dunlap. The budget committee meets first, at 5:30 p.m. It streams live on BTC Fiber’s YouTube channel.
• Power customers: TVA’s leadership news doesn’t change your bill. Your power company is still your first call.
• E-bike, scooter and golf cart owners: Lookout Mountain’s fire chief says to charge them outside, not in the house.
• Everyone in Tennessee: The rural health money goes to state plans and local grants. There’s nothing for you to sign up for.

📋 Monday Night in Dunlap: Your Quick Refresher (Local · Coming Up · Reminder)

We walked through the agenda item by item on Nov. 11, so here’s the short version for the fridge. The Sequatchie County Commission holds its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the courthouse courtroom, 22 Cherry St., Dunlap. The budget committee meets in the same room at 5:30 p.m. The county’s notice says you can watch live on BTC Fiber’s YouTube channel.

The big items on the posted agenda, as we reported Nov. 11:

• Resolution 819: procedural rules (Robert’s Rules) for running meetings.
• Resolution 822: a District 1 parks and recreation plan.
• Resolution 823: opting out of statewide building codes for one- and two-family homes outside city limits.
• A Cagle-Fredonia utility district board appointment, a highway surplus list and reports from the trustee, schools, sheriff and highway department.

Same night, nearby: the Van Buren County Commission meets at 6 p.m. in Spencer, and the Marion County School Board meets at 5 p.m. at the central office in Jasper.

It’s like checking the oil before a long drive. Two minutes now saves you wondering later.

What it means for you: Nothing on the agenda is decided until commissioners vote Monday night. If you care about parks, home building rules or how meetings are run, that’s your chance to listen or speak. Questions: County Executive’s office, 423-949-3479 (opens Monday at 7:30 a.m.).

👉 Read more: Sequatchie County’s Nov. 16 meeting notice and agenda

⚡ TVA’s Board Keeps Mike Skaggs as CEO, and Tom Rice Becomes President Monday (Regional · Decided · New)

On Nov. 12, the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors announced that Mike Skaggs will stay on as chief executive officer. Skaggs came out of retirement and had been interim CEO since April 2026. He has more than 40 years in the utility business, more than 25 of them at TVA, according to the American Public Power Association.

TVA is also splitting the top job in two:

• The CEO (Skaggs) handles big-picture strategy and advises the board on major spending.
• The president runs day-to-day operations. Skaggs named Chief Financial Officer Tom Rice to that job. Rice keeps his CFO duties and starts as president Monday, Nov. 16.

Board Chair Mitch Graves said Skaggs “has brought stability to TVA, and he has restored trust,” including with local power companies. TVA says its retail rates are lower than those of 80 percent of the nation, and that it plans to invest more than $13 billion in capital projects over the next three years.

Think of it like a family farm where Dad keeps planning the seasons and the oldest son runs the chores every morning. Same farm, clearer job list.

What it means for you: TVA makes the power, and local companies like Sequatchie Valley Electric Cooperative deliver it to your house. This announcement doesn’t change your rate or your service. For outages or billing, call your own power company like always.

👉 Read more: American Public Power Association on TVA’s decision · Times Free Press

🚲 Lookout Mountain, Tenn., Talks E-Bike, Scooter and Golf Cart Safety, and Fixes Its Ballfield Lights (Neighbors · Town Report · New)

At a recent meeting of the town’s leaders, reported by Chattanoogan.com on Nov. 12, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., officials said problems with electric bikes, scooters and golf carts are ongoing. Here’s what they covered:

• Charging: Chief Dale Taylor said it’s “imperative” that e-vehicles be charged outside. The town has had one battery fire so far. It was caught on a doorbell camera and stopped quickly.
• State e-bike rules: The chief said a state law that took effect July 1 sorts e-bikes into three classes. Class 3 bikes, which can assist up to 28 mph, can’t use bike paths or trails unless the local government allows it, and it’s a misdemeanor for anyone under 16 to ride one.
• Kids and stop signs: Residents have called police about children rolling through stop signs. The chief said parents need to teach their kids the rules of the road, and noted insurance may not cover an unlicensed driver in a wreck.
• Chimneys: After several chimney fires last year, the chief asked everyone to get chimneys cleaned and fireplaces checked.
• Ballfield lights: The new field behind Lookout Mountain School is dark on one end. The town plans brighter lights on the existing poles, aimed away from nearby houses, for about $13,000.

A battery charger is a lot like a coffee pot. Most days it’s fine, but you don’t leave it running in the house while you’re off at the feed store.

What it means for you: These are Lookout Mountain’s talks, but the safety tips work anywhere in the Valley. If there’s an e-bike or electric golf cart under the tree this year, plan a spot to charge it outdoors, and look up which class it is before the grandkids ride it.

👉 Read more: Chattanoogan.com on Lookout Mountain’s meeting

🏔️ Lookout Mountain, Ga., Approves a New City Manager, and Hears a Sewer-Rate Recommendation (Neighbors · Approved / Recommendation · New)

Across the state line in Walker County, Ga., City Manager Kenny Lee is stepping down after six years to spend more time on his hobbies, Chattanoogan.com reported Nov. 14. Mayor Arch Willingham credited him with the city’s move into its new town hall and with work on Joe Wilson Park, Fairy Trail Garden and the new Taliaferro Park.

• Approved: The city council unanimously approved Vice Mayor Kevin Leckenby as the next city manager. He starts Jan. 5, 2027. He has lived in the city 22 years, has been a volunteer firefighter there for 21 years and has served on the planning commission.
• Recommendation only: The chairman of the city’s Municipal Sewer Advisory Board, Wes Hasden, recommended the council approve a 15 percent sewer rate increase starting right away, plus increases of at least 3.5 percent a year in future budgets. The report we read doesn’t say the council has voted on it yet.
• Coming soon: Hookups from the new gas lines to 70 properties are close to starting, at about two or three properties a week, depending on how much rock crews run into.

It’s like handing the truck keys to the neighbor who’s been riding shotgun for years. He already knows where the potholes are.

What it means for you: This only affects folks who live in Lookout Mountain, Ga. If that’s you, the sewer rate is the thing to watch. A recommendation isn’t a rate change until the council votes.

👉 Read more: Chattanoogan.com on Lookout Mountain, Ga.

🏥 Tennessee Gets $210.3 Million for Year Two of the Rural Health Transformation Program (Statewide · Federal Award · Update)

In October we told you about Rural Health Transformation grants reaching our area, including in Altamont and Tracy City. Now the state’s second year of money is in. The Tennessee Lookout reports (via the Times Free Press, Nov. 15) that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Tennessee $210.3 million for year two of the federal program.

• Tennessee got $206.9 million in the first year.
• The state could get up to $1 billion over the program’s five years.
• Each state is guaranteed $100 million a year in base money. The rest is awarded based on things like rural population and how well a state keeps the promises in its approved plan.

It’s like a five-year seed contract. You get the first bags up front, and the rest comes as long as the crop plan holds.

What it means for you: You don’t apply for this money yourself. It flows through the state to health projects, clinics and local grants. We’ll keep watching for grants that land in the Valley.

👉 Read more: Tennessee Lookout story via the Times Free Press

🏛️ State Senate’s Majority Caucus Picks Its Nominee for Next Speaker (Statewide · Nominated · New)

The Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus on Tuesday, Nov. 10, picked Sen. Jack Johnson of Franklin to be the next Senate speaker, the Tennessee Lookout reports. He would replace outgoing Speaker Randy McNally. In Tennessee, the Senate speaker also holds the title of lieutenant governor.

Asked about cutting the state’s 4 percent sales tax on groceries, Johnson said he expects lawmakers to “have that question again” in 2027, but he didn’t say whether he supports it. (Our Wallet series told you Nov. 12 about the House speaker’s bill to drop the tax on milk, eggs and bread.)

It’s like the church picking a new head usher. It matters for how Sunday runs, but the doors open at the same time.

What it means for you: Nothing changes today. The new legislature starts its work in January, and any grocery tax change would need votes in both the House and Senate.

👉 Read more: Tennessee Lookout on the speaker nominee

🗓️ Dates to Put on the Fridge

• Mon., Nov. 16: Sequatchie County budget committee, 5:30 p.m.; County Commission, 6:30 p.m., courthouse in Dunlap. Marion County School Board, 5 p.m., Jasper. Van Buren County Commission, 6 p.m., Spencer. Tom Rice starts as TVA president.
• Tue., Nov. 17: Chattanooga City Council, 3:30 p.m. Eastern (2:30 p.m. CST). Rhea County Commission, 6 p.m. Eastern, Dayton. Monteagle Christmas Tree Trail sign-up deadline, 3:30 p.m.
• Wed., Nov. 18: Hamilton County Commission, 5 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. CST). Orme city meeting, 6 p.m., Orme Fire Hall.
• Thu., Nov. 19: Sequatchie County Records Commission, 5:30 p.m., 22 Cherry St. Powells Crossroads city meeting, 6:30 p.m. Hamilton County Audit Committee, 10 a.m. Eastern. Dunlap Board of Mayor and Commissioners (third-Thursday schedule; confirm with City Hall, 423-949-2115).
• Mon., Nov. 23: Marion County Commission, 6 p.m., Lawson Building, Jasper. Deadline for counties to certify Nov. 3 election results.
• Mon., Nov. 30: Monteagle city meeting, 5 p.m., City Hall.

🔎 Still Waiting Is an Honest Answer

Bledsoe County still hasn’t posted a November commission notice that we could find, and we haven’t seen posted results from Pikeville’s or Jasper’s Nov. 9 meetings. The Sequatchie County courthouse is closed today. It reopens Monday at 7:30 a.m. (423-949-3479). We’ll bring you Monday night’s results as soon as they’re out.

✅ Your Front-Porch Courthouse Checklist

• ✅ Circle Mon., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. for the Sequatchie County Commission. Can’t go? Watch on BTC Fiber’s YouTube channel.
• ✅ Have a question for the county? Write it on a sticky note tonight and call 423-949-3479 Monday morning.
• ✅ E-bike, scooter or electric golf cart in the family? Charge it outside.
• ✅ Using the fireplace this week? Get the chimney checked before the first big fire.
• ✅ Power question? Call your local power company. TVA’s news doesn’t change your bill.

Practical rule: An agenda isn’t a decision, and a recommendation isn’t a rate change. Write down the date, then wait for the vote.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Courthouse Glossary

• Budget committee: A smaller group of commissioners that looks over money moves before the full commission votes.
• Robert’s Rules: A common rulebook for running meetings: who speaks when, how motions are made and how votes are taken.
• Building code opt-out: A county vote saying the statewide building code standards won’t apply to one- and two-family homes outside city limits.
• CEO vs. president: At TVA, the CEO sets the long-range plan with the board, and the president runs the daily work.
• Class 3 e-bike: An electric bike whose motor can help up to 28 mph. Under state rules it has extra limits on trails and riders under 16.
• City manager: A hired official who runs a city’s daily business for the elected council.
• Caucus nominee: The person a party’s members agree to back before the full body votes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I speak at Monday’s Sequatchie County Commission meeting?

The posted agenda includes a time for public comments near the start. If you’re not sure how to sign up, call the County Executive’s office Monday morning at 423-949-3479.

Will TVA’s leadership change raise my power bill?

No rate change came with this announcement. Rate decisions are separate, and your local power company handles your bill.

Is it really unsafe to charge an e-bike indoors?

Lookout Mountain’s fire chief said battery fires burn much hotter than a regular house fire and urged people to charge outside. It’s also smart to follow the maker’s charging instructions.

Can I apply for Rural Health Transformation money?

Not as a person. The money goes to the state, which funds health projects and grants to local groups and providers.

Who’s the new lieutenant governor?

Sen. Jack Johnson is the majority caucus’s nominee for Senate speaker, which also carries the lieutenant governor title. The full Senate makes the choice official when the new legislature organizes in January.

🔗 Other Resources

• Sequatchie County Government news and notices: County Executive 423-949-3479
• BTC Fiber YouTube channel (Sequatchie County Commission livestream)
• Van Buren County agendas and minutes
• Marion County meeting calendar: 423-942-2552
• Hamilton County Commission meeting notices
• Rhea County Commission, Nov. 17
• Tennessee Valley Authority
• Bledsoe County public notices
• City of Dunlap: 423-949-2115

🌄 Learn a Little, Worry Less and Enjoy Your Sunday

Nothing on today’s list calls for worry. The power company kept a steady leader, a mountain town shared some good safety tips, a small city lined up its next manager, rural health money keeps coming and Monday’s meeting is right where we said it would be. Write the time on the calendar, then go enjoy your Sunday dinner.

Read Dunlap.Today for calm, plain-English follow-ups. We’ll bring you what the Sequatchie County Commission decides Monday night, how Chattanooga’s council votes Tuesday and what Hamilton County does Wednesday, so you can spend your week on your own business, not on government paperwork.