Home » More News
Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Staff Member Honored With Exceptional Achievements at 2023 Annual Conference
The City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to announce one of its own as the recipient of an exceptional award during the 2023 Branch and Interest Section Awards presented by the Tennessee Parks and Recreation Association (TRPA).![Kelly TRPA Award 2023[93]](Kelly TRPA Award 2023[93].jpg)
EPD training on cutting edge 3-D scanner
Evidence that once took hours to collect and often was missed or lost will now be more easily collected and retained by the Elizabethton Police Department.
Putting the brakes on... TDOT decides to leave signs up for Highway 91 project
After initially telling City of Elizabethton GIS and Engineering Manager Matthew Balogh that the 30 mile per hour signs would be taken down along the Highway 91 corridor between the G Street intersection with Highway 91 to the Mill Street intersection,
Alexander sworn in to Elizabethton City Schools BOE
The Elizabethton City Schools Board of Education made their choice in the person that will complete the remainder of retired board member Michael Wilson.
Tweetsie Trail Jams announces special guest with Toby Mac
Toby Mac will be coming to Citizens Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 for Tweetsie Trail Jams 2024 and will have a special guest opening up the evening.
Cochren & Co. will be the opening act for Toby Mac.


Barricuda entertains large crowd during ‘Rockin on the Doe’
A large crowd came out to enjoy the sounds of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performers Heart as presented by Barracuda, a group that hails from Nashville on Saturday night beside Covered Bridge Park.
Speed limits will return to 40 mph on Elk Avenue
Local residents have questioned whether the current reduced speed of 30 miles per hour on Elk Avenue is a permanent change.
A recap of the August 2023 City Council meeting
The Elizabethton City Council met for its regularly-scheduled August meeting on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 in City Council Chambers at the Elizabethton City Hall. The following is a recap of the meeting.
In the right place at the right time... Storm aftermath leads to Elizabethton Electric's Guyn saving a life
As winds twisted trees and wreaked havoc on the Dennis Cove area of the county last Monday night, it was the Elizabethton Electric System's job to respond to the downed power lines that had blackened the area in the storms aftermath.
Engle promoted to Assistant City Manager for City of Elizabethton
Daniel Estes, City Manager for the City of Elizabethton. is pleased to announce that Mrs. Logan Engle has been promoted to the position of Assistant City Manager effective Monday, August 14.


Facade grant applications now being accepted from Main Street district businesses
A public meeting was held on Monday evening at Elizabethton City Hall to provide information and answer questions about the planning and economic development services facade rehabilitation grant program for businesses that are located in the Main Street district of Elizabethton.
BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
As the state population continues to grow, so does the number of cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles utilizing Tennessee roadways. Crosswalks, paved roads, sidewalks and shoulders of roads have an increasing amount of traffic every year.

Centrifuge Camp at Milligan, Produces Big Win For Elizabethton
The Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department received great help from the Centrifuge Camp recently held at Milligan University.
Colton Dixon To Perform At Covered Bridge Days
The Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to announce that Colton Dixon will be performing this year at Covered Bridge Days in Elizabethton.![Colton Dixon[56]](Colton Dixon[56].jpeg)
Happy birthday Harry Potter...
The Elizabethton / Carter County Public Library along with Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition held a birthday celebration for the fictional character Harry Potter in Covered Bridge Park.
Elizabethton City Council approves first reading on designation of one half percent sales tax for city schools
The Elizabethton City Council met for the regularly-scheduled July meeting with an array of new business to address along with three events seeking approval.
Wildflower Beautification Project
Months of dedication, planning, and planting by the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department, Keep Carter County Beautiful, and Main Street Elizabethton, have culminated in a blossoming success story for Elizabethton.
Lightning from Saturday storms strike transformer
Linemen from the Elizabethton Electric System are used to typically being called out to trouble spots after storms like the area experienced on Saturday.
Patriotic Pedal kicks off Independence Day celebration
The 2023 Independence Day celebration got off on the right foot or should it be said pedal as the Patriotic Pedal event brought several riders with their patriotic bikes to Covered Bridge Park.
Pup Patriotic Pageant always an Independence celebration favorite
A crowd favorite took place on Saturday during the Elizabethton Independence Day celebration as dog owners brought their patriotic dressed dogs in an attempt to swoon the judges into picking their pup as the winner of the pageant.
Beauty fills the stage for Miss Firecracker 23’ pageant
The competition was stiff during the annual Miss Firecracker beauty pageant at Covered Bridge Park during the Independence Day celebration.
That’s a wrap...
One final photo gallery to celebrate Independence Day 2023 and what a celebration it was.
Until next year...


Rockin' on the Doe: Barracuda, America's Heart Tribute, to Perform at Spectacular Free Concert
Get ready to rock as Barracuda, America's Heart Tribute, takes the stage for an electrifying performance at Rockin' on the Doe, a highly anticipated free concert event hosted by the City of Elizabethton’s Parks and Recreation Department.
![Barracuda[74]](Barracuda[74].jpg)
![Barracuda[74]](Barracuda[74].jpg)
Results and photo gallery from 4th Annual Firefly 5K run/walk
The fourth annual Firefly 5K was held recently as runners and walkers not only had to deal with some stiff competition but a humid evening that made for a more challenging race.
Historic Zoning Commission addresses two pieces of business in June meeting
The Elizabethton Historic Zoning Commission met in their June regular session meeting on Monday in the Elizabethton Council Chambers with two items on their scheduled business agenda.

City Council approves 2023-2024 budget, tax rate increase
The Elizabethton City Council met in a special called meeting on Thursday with key items to address heading into a new fiscal year which begins on July 1, 2023.
Police officers complete Police Academy

Three Elizabethton police officers complete Police Academy
Officers Nicholas Kerns, Rocky Croy, and Ryan Manuel graduated from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy on Friday morning.
Mario's Power Up Party fills Kiwanis Park

Dodging rain showers, the Mario Power-Up Party presented by the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department was deemed a huge success by department workers and the hundreds of children who came with their families.
Bluegrass fills air at Covered Bridge Park
The Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department continues to bring some of the best bluegrass music around to Elizabethton on Saturday night at the Covered Bridge Park.
Elizabethton Fire Department hangs patriotic wreath on Covered Bridge

On a day that was set aside for Flag Day, the Elizabethton Fire Department headed to the Covered Bridge to hang a patriotic wreath in time for the upcoming Independence Day celebration set for Saturday, July 1.
A Father's Day story... Campbell uses children as motivation in sacrificial return to school
Going back to school to obtain a college degree is hard for anyone but that challenge is multiplied exponentially when you work a full-time job, be there for your children and spouse, and fulfill the roles that a man must do.
Breezeway Enhancement Project is officially complete
A dedication in the 400 Block Breezeway in Downtown Elizabethton was held on Friday, June 9.
Goldberg sworn in as newest police officer
The Elizabethton Police Department grew by one officer on Monday morning as Matthew Goldberg was officially sworn in as a City officer.
City Council passes tax rate, water and sewer increase on first reading

The Elizabethton City Council met in regular session on Thursday with several important decisions to be addressed.
All in a day's work... City Engineering department employees rescue pair of helpless puppies

Elizabethton Engineering Department employees Matthew Balogh and Dave Carney started their day on Wednesday just like any other day with a list of items that needed to be completed with one of those being to check on a paving project on Powder Branch Road.
Mario’s Power Up Party
![Power Up Party [83]](Power Up Party [83].jpg)
Independence Day Celebration
![Independence Day 2023 Final revision[55]](Independence Day 2023 Final revision[55].jpg)
The City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department is excited to present the Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Covered Bridge Park beginning at 4 pm.
Eleven champions crowned as 2023 Carter County Omnium comes to an end

After three grueling challenges, including the Roan Groan, time trials, and the Criterium, the 2023 Carter County Omnium sponsored by Carter County Tourism wrapped up Sunday with the crowning of 11 champions in their respective categories.
June First Friday brings great food, great music, and a good time

The First Friday of June couldn't have been better as a beautiful evening greeted those who came to Covered Bridge Park to enjoy the music of The Kindest People and some of the best food truck food anywhere.
Maryland's Strohmeyer pedals way to Ballad Health Criterium victory

Andrew Strohmeyer's visit to Elizabethton from Mount Airy, Maryland turned out to be a pretty sweet visit as Strohmeyer found himself standing at the top of the podium after taking the Men's Pro/1/2 Ballad Health Criterium race on Sunday.
Milligan University's August captures 2023 Roan Groan title in Pro 1/2

Riders couldn't complain about the perfect weather they had for the 2023 Roan Groan Road Race sponsored by Carter County Tourism, one of the three events of the 2023 Carter County Omnium.
Planning Commission gives final site plan approval to 7 Brew Coffee, Eastman Credit Union
Final site approval plans were approved by the Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission during their regularly-scheduled June meeting at Elizabethton City Hall on Thursday.
Elizabethton Youth Business Fair- Applications Open
![Youth Business Fair[80]](Youth Business Fair[80].jpg)
During the popular Covered Bridge Days Festival this fall, Elizabethton Parks and Recreation is proud to once again host the Youth Business Fair and applications to participate are now being accepted!
Memorial Day ceremony honors those who gave all

It was a solemn morning on Monday at the War Memorial in downtown Elizabethton as a gathering came together to honor those brave men and women of Carter County who gave their lives in defending the freedoms that we all enjoy today.
Elizabethton High School presents diplomas to Class of 2023
A light, hazy sky greeted early-morning arrivals to Elizabethton High School's Citizens Bank Stadium for the Class of 2023 graduation before a brilliant sun soon chased the clouds away as over 190 students completed their secondary education program at the high school.


Modernization of traffic signals: LED shines
The City of Elizabethton GIS and Engineering Department has diligently been working on the department's effort to enhance transportation infrastructure through the modernization of traffic signals.
Elizabethton Police Department integrates virtual reality training

In an effort to protect their lives and the lives of the citizens they have been entrusted with, the Elizabethton Police Department has made an investment into virtual reality training equipment.
AMI meters take worry from homeowners when power goes out

There was a time when the threat of electrical storms and high winds would cause homeowners to shutter dreading what to do if their power were to go out.
Partner with Parks and Recreation

This year, the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department will offer dozens of special events for our citizens.
May First Friday concert rocks to tunes of Gents & Liars

With First Fridays kicking off on Friday, May 5, the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department welcomed Gents & Liars to the Covered Bridge stage for the first concert in the park.
SmartGov portal launches in Elizabethton
The public doesn't have to wait until City Hall opens on Monday mornings any more as the release of a new online solution called SmartGov will allow for easier permitting, plan review, inspection services, planning and code enforcement.
City Council will have many issues to discuss during upcoming annual retreat
Besides a tough budget to address during their upcoming annual retreat, the Elizabethton City Council will have other areas of business that will need some attention as well including capital projects and how to address the Elizabethton Golf Course.
Elizabethton Street & Sanitation provides 'Touch a Truck' for Hunter Elementary students

It was a 'truckiffic' day at Hunter Elementary School recently as the Elizabethton Street & Sanitation Department brought three sparkling, clean trucks to the facility as part of the 'Touch a Truck' day that tied into a careers day for the school.
Elizabethton Fire Department hosts student tours
Elizabethton Fire Department appreciates the opportunity to present a Fire Safety Demonstration to Hampton Elementary Kindergarten.
Elizabethton Park & Rec board receives updates on heavy load of ongoing projects
The Elizabethton Park & Rec Board met for their regularly scheduled May meeting at the Recreation Center where director Mike Mains provided an update on a number of projects that are currently ongoing for the Park & Recreation Department.
First Friday Concert in the Park Sponsored by Carter County Bank

First Friday Concerts in the Park brought to you by Elizabethton Parks and Recreation kicks off the 2023 season on Friday, May 5, 2023!
Elizabethton Police Department receives Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative grant
The City of Elizabethton Police Department is pleased to announce it received a $149,999 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative (RVCRI) grant. The funding will support a two-year program to combat violent crime in our jurisdiction.
Covered Bridge Jams
The Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department has released the 2023 Covered Bridge Jams Schedule.
Elizabethton City Council April meeting recap
The Elizabethton City Council met in its regularly scheduled April meeting on Thursday. April 13, 2023 in Council Chambers inside Elizabethton City Hall. The following is a brief recap of the meeting.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?
Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaged in activities that divert the driver’s attention away from the road.
So, what is there to do in Elizabethton?
That question is often asked so we hope to give you some great options that you and your family can enjoy.
Newly constructed Watauga River boat ramp to be officially named after Bill Beazell

The newly constructed and heavily used Watauga River Boat Ramp, located at 335 Lovers Lane Rd., will officially be named the Bill Beazell Watauga River Public Access Boat Ramp.
Council signs lease with Friends of Animal Shelter for new spay and neuter Clinic

A new affordable spay and neuter clinic is on the way thanks to Thursday afternoon's lease signing between the City of Elizabethton and the Friends of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter, a registered 501c3.
Following in their footsteps... Croy, Jr. sworn in as newest City of Elizabethton police officer
They may not be the family showcased on the highly watched Blue Bloods drama series on television, but the Croy family knows what it means to keep serving the community as police officers as a family business.
City Council comes to agreement on downtown car show
The Elizabethton City Council considered three different amendments to the Carter County Car Club’s request to host car cruise-ins on Elk Avenue...
Garbage and Brush zone maps updated
The Elizabethton Street and Sanitation Department has updated their maps showing the zones for collection of brush and bulk trash as well as garbage collection.
Elizabethton Fire Department provides regional rookie ladder training
The Elizabethton Fire Department carried on its rich tradition of providing rookie firefighters the ins and outs of the proper use and safety of using ladders in the course of their job.
Lady Cyclones slip past Greeneville to capture regional championship
In the game of basketball, a win is a win, whether it's by one point or 30 points. However, it's easier on the nerves if there is at least some breathing room.
More speed bumps than compromise during Council workshop
Once again the ongoing issue between the City of Elizabethton and the Carter County Car Club on how to best handle the club’s weekly cruise-in events as the City’s revitalization projects continue...
Glow dodge ball event huge success
The City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition recently held a glow dodge ball event at the Elizabethton Parks and Rec Center which turned out to be a huge success.
City Council workshop set to discuss car show, former Franklin Fitness Center
The Elizabethton City Council will be meeting in a workshop to discuss the annual Carter County Car Club car show and the former Franklin Fitness Center.
Want to help stormwater drainage - plant a tree
More than two million acres of Tennessee’s native forests have been cut and more than 500 thousand acres of forest were converted to other uses.*
Owens sworn in as newest EFD firefighter
Friday was a special day for Dru Owens as he was sworn in as the newest member of the City of Elizabethton Fire Department as a firefighter.


Putting in a day’s work...
So what does one do on a beautiful Friday afternoon where a short-sleeved shirt feels like it does on a spring-like day.
Council tackles business agenda, approves events
The Elizabethton City Council met in Council Chambers at Elizabethton City Hall on Thursday, Feb. 9 for their regularly-scheduled February meeting.
You can make a difference...
The Tennessee Stormwater Association has a goal which is to protect and improve the quality of the waters of Tennessee through the exchange of information and knowledge regarding the design, construction, maintenance, administration and operation of stormwater facilities.
Elizabethton Parks and Rec releases February newsletter
The Elizabethton Parks and Rec Department released their February newsletter on Wednesday with some exciting information.


February City Council meeting set for Thursday evening
The Elizabethton City Council will conduct their regularly scheduled February Council meeting at 6 pm on Thursday, Feb. 9 inside the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
Planning Commission approves two plats, rezoning of property
The Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission met for their regularly-scheduled February meeting on Thursday, Feb. 2 and addressed a short list of business for the month.
Elizabethton Fire Department completes mandatory state fire training
While passing by the parking lot at First Baptist Church of Elizabethton last week, many may have had questions of why there were so many Elizabethton Fire Department trucks parked in the lot.
**Public Traffic Alert** Work to impact traffic flow beginning Monday night
Nighttime lane closures will impact each direction on Elk Avenue and Broad Street in Elizabethton beginning Monday night Feb. 6 at 7 pm and lasting until 6 am each morning.City residents may qualify for portion of HOME rehabilitation grant
A public meeting was held on Friday inside the City Council Chambers at Elizabethton City Hall for residents who reside in the city limits that need assistance with rehabilitation of their homes.
Elizabethton Electric announces automated Pay by Phone number change

The Elizabethton Electric System announced on Friday that their automated Pay by Phone number has changed.
Planning Commission meeting slated for February 2
The Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission will be meeting at 6 pm on Thursday, Feb. 2 inside the City Council Chambers at Elizabethton City Hall.![SKM_C3320i23012714480[81]](SKM_C3320i23012714480[81].jpg)
Elizabethton mayor recognizes WJHL for seven decades of service
It was a special day in Elizabethton on Wednesday as WJHL News Channel 11 kicked off their 70th Anniversary celebration in the city by broadcasting their news at 6 am and noon from The Coffee Company and wrapped up the day by moving their evening news cast to the iconic Bonnie Kate Theater.
TDOT announces two week closure of portion of North Roan Street
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced the closure of a portion of North Roan Street in Elizabethton between Mill Street and Broad Street for utility work.![Roan Closure[39]](Roan Closure[39].jpg)
Storm damage leaves 306 customers without power
Thursday's late afternoon thunderstorm packed some punch for Elizabethton Electric customers as high winds associated with the storm broke eight poles and damaged five transformers.
Public meeting scheduled to discuss HOME grant program
The City of Elizabethton, Tennessee has received a $500,000 HOME grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to rehabilitate homes.![Not All Disabilities Are Visible Landscape Rectangle Sticker[71]](Not All Disabilities Are Visible Landscape Rectangle Sticker[71].jpg)
Public Open House scheduled for Downtown Community Mobility Plan
![Mobility Open House Graphic[58]](Mobility Open House Graphic[58].jpg)
On Tuesday, January 24th, 2023, community members are invited to attend a Public Open House to assist the City of Elizabethton in identifying transportation and mobility needs throughout the Downtown Main Street District.
Elizabethton City Council to meet on Thursday Jan. 12
The Elizabethton City Council will be meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Elizabethton City Hall.TDOT announces lane closure on Hwy 67 widening project
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced a lane closure for approximately one month as work continues on the Highway 67 widening project in Elizabethton. The purpose of the closure is to relocate utility lines.![Elk Ave Lane Closure[54]](Elk Ave Lane Closure[54].jpg)
Regional Planning Commission elects officers, approves final Snap-On Tools site map
The Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission met in its regularly scheduled January 2023 meeting on Thursday inside Council Chambers at Elizabethton City Hall to address four items of business and elect officers for the new year.
Work on water lines to affect service to some city residents
City of Elizabethton Water Resources General Manager Jonathan Pleasant has announced that due to water line work....
Going above and beyond... Tolley and crew recognized by County Mayor, EMA Director

While many stayed warm enjoying time with their families during the bitterly cold Christmas holiday weekend, a group of City of Elizabethton Water Resource employees were responding to nearly 200 calls involving frozen meters and water lines.
App to help customers track daily electric costs
Christmas came a little early for Elizabethton Electric General Manager Brandon Shell as the electric system released a new updated application on Wednesday to help customers stay on top of daily electric costs and much more.


Cold weather brings safety awareness and precautions for residents
As local residents prepare for the first real cold spell of the winter, there are several precautions that residents can take to be well prepared and ready for the frigid temperatures and any associated snow that the area receives this winter.
Mayor proclaims January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month for Elizabethton
Human trafficking is something most people don't hear to much about in Northeast Tennessee however it touches more lives and homes than one might imagine.
Could there be a white Christmas? Elizabethton street department says bring on the snow
As local meteorologist began talking recently of how the Tri-Cities area could potentially have a white Christmas this year as a strong cold front begins to make its way toward the area, many residents are already getting a case of singing the popular holiday song 'Let it Snow'.
'Silver Bells' parade draws largest crowd in recent history
Whether it could be attributed to bad weather or COVID-19 in the past that held crowds away...
Buck promoted to Sergeant in EPD
Elizabethton Police Department Chief Jason Shaw on Tuesday announced the promotion of Eric Buck to the rank of Sergeant.


EPD adds two new officers
The Elizabethton Police Department added two new officers on Monday morning as Kurt Kemp and Ryan Manuel took their Oath of Office inside the Elizabethton City Hall Council Chambers.
City Clerk Preston Cobb presided over the swearing in ceremony.


City of Elizabethton Finance Department receives prestigious award
The City of Elizabethton was recently awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021.

Local kids get to shop with a cop for Christmas

Several police cars rolled into Walmart on Monday evening prompting some to wonder if there was an emergency situation going on at the local retailer.
City takes time to be thankful for its employees

There is a saying 'it takes an army' and in the case of running a city like Elizabethton that statement couldn't be more true.
Council meets in workshop session

Members of the Elizabethton Street & Sanitation, Finance, and Human Resources departments along with the Elizabethton City Council met in a workshop setting
First Friday Concerts in the Park sponsored by Carter County Bank

First Friday Concerts in the Park brought to you by Elizabethton Parks and Recreation kicks off the 2023 season on Friday, May 5, 2023! This FREE concert series, sponsored by Carter County Bank, will take place the first Friday of each month, May through August, at Covered Bridge Park from 7-9 P.M.