A Word from The Newport Plain Talk Publisher

Dear Readers,

Thanks for looking at our 2022-2023 Information Guide.

The Plain Talk has published this guide for the better part of two decades to serve as a source of information for not only visitors, tourists and those looking to relocate to our beautiful community, but also those of you who have called Cocke County home for years.

Cocke County has many natural resources and blessings. We have three beautiful rivers — the Nolichucky, the Pigeon and the French Broad — along with four park systems — the Cherokee National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, the Martha Sundquist State Forest and the most visited national park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Former Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. used to tell everyone our blessings come in threes and fours, because of the resources that are in our backyard that serve many purposes for many people.

Cocke County offers tremendous potential and the people here that have made their homes in our hometown are the greatest resource we have.

The people who have called Cocke County their home and made investments in our community are the lifeblood. Much blood, sweat and tears have been poured into their efforts and invest- ments.

Whether it be establishing a new business, working for one of our established manufacturers or employers or coming here to retire, our people are our greatest asset.

Cocke County has a lot to offer and I hope this guide will be of much use to you and your family over the coming year. Whether you’re just passing through, or you’ve been here for all your life, I believe all of this information will be of great value to you.

Also a great deal of appreciation and thanks to our adver- tising partners and sponsors who make this Information Guide possible. Without their time and effort, this project to serve you would be next to impossible to pull o ff.

Our doors at the Newport Plain Talk are always open and just like we have since

1900, we continue to be here for the needs of the citizen’s of Cocke County.

If there’s ever anything myself or our staff can do to assist you, please let us know!

All the best,

Duane Uhls Publisher & Editor