The Gatlinburg Special Events Office is pleased to announce that it will be holding auditions for the 2012 Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales cast in March.

 Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street entertainment program featuring live Appalachian music, storytelling and clogging. This will be the seventh season of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales. The program runs from June 15 through August 11.

 “We are looking for groups, trios, duos and solo acts that can be musical as well as entertaining,” said Jon Elder, Special Events Coordinator for the event this year. “Musicality is vital, and since they will be interacting with our visitors right on the street, our performers must also be entertaining and engaging in between songs. Personality counts a lot.”

 Auditions will be held on March 9, 10, 16, 23 and 24 at the Gatlinburg American Legion Building across the street from Food City on East Parkway (Hwy 321).

 Each auditioning act should prepare to perform three or four songs or have a monologue to perform. All acts should focus on Smoky Mountain culture and Appalachian, Traditional or Bluegrass music. Appropriate attire is not required but encouraged.

 The theme of the event centers on mountain culture, entertainment and music. 

 To schedule an audition time, please call (865) 436-0505 or e-mail jone@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us.

 This is a professional performing opportunity, only serious inquiries please.

Last Saturday, February 4^th, 2012 John Nelson Greer Fox, Jr. passed away after 93 years. In 1979 as a 25 year old my wife and I moved from Gatlinburg to Sevierville and opened a small restaurant in downtown. Some of the first people to come through our doors with a welcome to Sevierville were John & Ruby Fox. We were at the start of a new adventure and on shaky ground. John & Ruby proceeded to make us feel special and successful. Throughout the next couple of years John would stop in for a cup of coffee during the slow periods and visit. He would tell story after story about growing up in Sevierville and the other adventures in his and Ruby’s life. Later I realized I had obtained a personal history course about Sevierville and Sevier County and how I might fit into the landscape. For the next 33 years John and I would visit. It might have been weekly, monthly or yearly but he was the type of person that when you met you could just pick up on the conservation when you last talked. He always encouraged and supported me. After these past years living and raising a family in Sevierville I realize that my relationship with the town would not be the same without having known John Fox. I regret his passing. He was a good man. He was my friend. Leonard Waring 

Today is the last day for the 2012 Home Builders Show. The show is produced by the Sevier County Home Builders and is located at the Sevierville Event Center on Winfield Dunn Parkway. There are businesses present from a unique motorized patio roof to information from the State of Tennessee Fire Prevention department and everything in between. With today's weather come out a have a learning experience before the Super Bowl Game.

Visitors to the home show stop to learn about Patio Concepts of Tennessee's unique motorized patio roof. It allows for sunshine or shade with the push of a button.

Learn how to be fire safe when burning outdoors at the Home Builders show.

    PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (January 2012) – Wilderness Wildlife Week, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.’s, annual salute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, expanded its reach by attracting visitors from 33 states and the District of Columbia. That’s six more states than in 2011.
 
   In addition, travelers from New Zealand, England and Canada also registered their attendance.
 
  “The international guests were an unexpected treat. More important, however, is that this special event appealed to travelers from so many states. That really validates the reach of tourism during Pigeon Forge Winterfest,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
 
   The 22nd annual presentation of Wilderness Wildlife Week offered 288 programs, hikes, excursions and owl prowls from Jan. 7-14.
 
It began in 1991 to draw attention to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and to attract winter visitors.  It is part of the city’s Winterfest celebration that runs November through February.
 
  Cumulative attendance at the week’s programs totaled 24,630, a record. Snowy weather held that figure to 18,450 in 2011.
 
   “We had a little rain this year, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. It didn’t even deter the hikers,” Downey said.
 
   Forty-eight hikes and excursions of varying lengths ventured into the national park and attracted 630 participants who collectively hiked 3,705 miles. Hiking mileage has been tracked for eight years, and the total now is 21,223 miles.
 
  “Wilderness Wildlife Week hikes help people burn a lot of calories. We have 57 people who have hiked more than 100 miles with us, 10 who have hiked more than 200 miles, one who has hit 300 miles and two who have recorded 400 miles,” Downey said.

   More than 150 experts in wildlife, photography, mountain history, wildflowers and other subjects volunteered their time to lead programs. All of the week’s indoor programs were at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center.
 
  Pigeon Forge’s next special event is Saddle Up, a celebration of cowboy poetry, western music and chuckwagon cooking. Dates are Feb. 23-26, and details are available online at www.MyPigeonForge.com/saddleup <http://www.MyPigeonForge.com/saddleup> or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.
 

  Cyndy Reeves, Founder of Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival announced today that songwriters in the East Tennessee area and neighboring states have four months to get their favorite songs together and enter The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival 2012 Songwriters Contest.   “The primary goal of the SMSWF 2012 Songwriters Contest is to showcase and bring a broader spotlight to the talent we have here in the Smoky Mountains and the Southern Appalachian region,” Reeves stated.  The SMSWF Songwriters Contest is open to all ages. 
   “Songwriters from everywhere have asked me how can they get to perform at the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival,” noted Cyndy Reeves.  “So we decided to create something fun and profitable for songwriters throughout our region to participate in when we designed the SMSWF Songwriters Contest,” said Reeves.  
   The SMSWF Songwriters Contest will act as a gateway to the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival providing an opportunity for twenty talented songwriters to perform at The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival Aug. 23-25, 2012.  The SMSWF Songwriters Contest is an avenue for the songwriters’ songs to be heard and/or seen by publishers, producers, record label companies, djs, radio producers, etc.   
   Cash prizes plus a VIP “gift package” will be awarded to the winners in each of the five Categories and the Finale.  The five categories are:  Bluegrass, Country, Folk/Pop/Rock, Gospel/Inspirational, and Lyrics.  The Grand Prize Winner will be chosen on stage at the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival Aug. 23-25, 2012.  Go to www.SMSWF.com for contest information, rules and regulations.
   The Deadline to enter songs is April 30, 2012.  Category Winner Performances will be held each Thursday evening, Jul. 26 – Aug. 16, 2012 with the Finale Performance and Awards Night being Saturday evening during The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival Aug. 23-25, 2012 in Gatlinburg, TN. 

   The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is a “Special Event” sponsored by the City of Gatlinburg to be held during the last two weeks of August every year to "Celebrate Our Appalachian Musical Roots". The craft of songwriting from “hit” songwriters themselves will fill venues with ongoing performances for three days in downtown Gatlinburg.  Rain or Shine.  

   The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is a platform for songwriters to perform their original songs. The mission of The Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is to promote songwriters and to help their songs to be discovered not only by publishers and producers, but by all of us who simply love the songs they write.

The Green Valley Motel on the Parkway in South Pigeon Forge is involved in a major fire tonight. There are no reported injuries at this time. The fire is not controlled and we will have updates to follow.

Ober Gatlinburg is offering a variety of programs during January 2012 for children and adults who want to learn how to ski or snowboard. The offer is part of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, a national effort organized by the snow sports industry to get family and friends outside in the winter. The slogan "Humans Were Never Meant to Hibernate" is intended to encourage children and adults to ski and snowboard as a way to get some exercise outdoors at a time when most people tend to stay inside.

On Sundays, January 8 and January 29, 2012, participants can get a rental skis/snowboard, a one-hour lesson, and an area/lift ticket valid from 9am – 7pm, all for $69 per person. That's a savings of over $24 for skiers and $33 for snowboarders. On Wednesday, January 18, and Tuesday, January 31, 2012, the area/lift ticket, rental and lesson package is available for only $29 per person for the popular 6 - 10pm night session -- a savings of over $23 for skiers and $42 for snowboarders.

Gatlinburg Snowsports Center presents a Women Only Outdoors Winter Sports Lesson Program starting on Monday, January 23, 2012. This four-week program is for all levels of female skiers and snowboarders age 18 and above, and is taught by female instructors.

"Snow sports are fun and easier to learn than many people think," said John Cossaboom, Winter Snow Sports Director. "You can burn a lot of calories, meet some terrific people and have an experience that can be shared among friends and family".

Learning programs at the resort are posted at www.obergatlinburg.com. Children and adults are encouraged to learn from a professional instructor. General information about getting ready for a snow sports experience is available at www.skiandsnowboardmonth.org.

     A photography contest is one of several events at Wilderness Week 

 Wilderness Wildlife Week is the best way to get in touch with nature. This free event is offered every year in Pigeon Forge and it features eight days of wilderness fun. Wilderness Wildlife Week kicks off January  7, 2012 and ends January 14. 

Wilderness Wildlife Week in opens up with a keynote address from Peggy Callahan, the executive director of the Wildlife Science Center. During the week attendees learn from some of the area’s experts as well as participate in hands-on workshops, seminars, and lectures.

Get back to nature on more than 50 guided walks and hikes throughout the Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These excursions are designed for all levels of experience. If you’re a music lover, you’ll enjoy some Smoky Mountain music performed during Appalachia Fest.

Every year, nature lovers flock to Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, TN for a week of fun, learning, and nature! The International Festivals & Events Association has recognized the event for its environmental and educational efforts.

New for 2012: 

Photography Contest
Thanks in part to our wonderful friends at the Nantahala Outdoor Center,the Wilderness Wildlife Week Photography Contest has expanded. For the first time ever, the contest will feature seven divisions:

• Amateur
• Professional
• Wildlife
• Landscapes/Seascapes
• Youth & Young Adults (ages 17 and under)
• Great Smoky Mountain Landmarks
• Nature’s Wonders in Black & White

Also new to the contest is the implementation of the Judges’ Choice Award.

Cades Cove Heritage Track
Listen and enjoy as Cades Cove experts bring the history of the people and area to life.

Echoes of the Smokies!
Be prepared to relive the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Wilma Durpo.

Smoky Mountain Heritage Track
Reminisce and experience life throughout the history of Pigeon Forge, Sevier County and the Great Smoky Mountains.

For more information call (800) 251-9100, (865) 453-8574 pr visit www.MyPigeonForge.com

Ricochet will perform at the Grand Resort on New Year's Eve.

     The area's hottest New Year's Eve tradition will continue to heat up when the Grand Resort Hotel and Convention Center presents the New Years' Eve Bash featuring the country music band "Ricochet." The annual event rings in the new year with the biggest party in Pigeon Forge featuring great music, mixed drinks, and a rockin' good time.
    Ricochet has recorded five albums and charted several times in the Billboard Top 40. They are best remembered for the hit "Daddy's Money" which reached the coveted Number 1 position on the Country Music charts in 1996. The band reached the top 10 with such hits as "What do I do now" and "Love is stranger than pride."
    The band started as an opening act for Charlie Daniels, Merle Haggard and Doug Stone.
    Opening for Ricochet is East Tennessee's own, "Southbound." The popular country music band has enjoyed regional success across the south where they have electrified audiences.The show will be hosted by radio personality Gunner.
    General admission tickets include general admission seating, free hors d' oeuvres, party favors and freed rink set-ups for just $49.50 per person.
    The party package is the ticket for those that party hard and want a safe place to crash after the bash. The party package includes a two day one night stay at the Grand Resort Hotel,  general admission tickets and a breakfast buffet at Seaton's Cafe. The hotel is located on the premises allowing guess to walk to their room. These tickets are available for $198.
    A limited number of VIP tickets are available. These prized tickets allow the guests to stay in a VIP suite in the hotle for three days and two nights, two tickets to the show, complimentary libations, a breakfast buffet and a commemorative photo all for just $349.
    Tickets can be purchased at the hotel or by calling 800-251-4444. The Grand Hotel is located at 3171 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

   This week's winner of the make me laugh for the movies contest is Cindy Parrachavez of Seymour.

  "Recently, I ordered some merchandise on the home shopping network. When the operator was getting my information she asked me my name. I told her to address it to me using my first name because my last name is kind of long. She asked me to spell my last name. So, I spelled it out to her. When the package came to my house it was addressed to Mrs. Long."

                     Cindy Parrachavez.                                        

      Make Me Laugh For The Movies is a weekly contest sponsored by Reel Theaters. The rules are simple. Send us a funny story or anecdote about a personal experience and if we publish it we will send you two free tickets to Reel Theaters Movies on the Parkway.

  Please make the stories brief and suitable for the family. The Sevier County News reserves the right to reject any story for objectionable content. Winners will announced each Wednesday.

 Send all entries to Sevier County News

                                  635 Wall Street,

                                  Sevierville, TN. 37876

  Reel Theaters is located at 713 Winfield Dunn Parkway in Sevierville. For more information call (865)453-9055  or visit them on the Web at reel-theatres-sevier.com.

Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner recognized the Gatlinburg- Pittman High School Girls Soccer Team, the Boys Cross Country Team and volunteers who helped construct a new press box at the school.

Werner issued proclamations to the honorees and presented them with plaques at a recent award ceremony.

The GP High School Soccer team participated in the state tournament where they finished second.

The Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Boys Cross Country Team competed exceptionally well at the Region 2-A/AA meet in Knoxville, with Daniel Watson, Cole Fuller, Davis Soehn, Nathaniel Arfa and Ridge Ramsey finishing within 45 seconds of one another to earn second place as a team, to qualify for the State Cross Country Championship meet and capture All-Regional individual honors

 Werner recognized volunteers who helped construct a press box at the high school. 

      The City of Sevierville Police Department  is requesting the public’s assistance identifying two persons suspected of committing several vehicle burglaries over the past month.

    According to SPD Detective Ray Brown, the two white male suspects have allegedly broken into at least four vehicles and taken credit cards found inside. The suspects have used the stolen credit cards at numerous locations, including a Wal Mart store in Walker Springs in November. One of the suspects appears to be waving at the store security camera. Anyone with information regarding these suspects is requested to contact Detective Brown at 865-453-5507.

Fireworks shoot from the Space Needle at the 2010 New Year's Eve celebration.

   Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2011 in unique style with its 24th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Saturday night, December 31.

     At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2012, the Space Needle area will shine with a red glow from the surrounding rooftops at the beginning of a music program which includes selected songs followed by a choreographed fireworks show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee.

    Leading up to midnight, popular musical entertainment will be headquartered on the balcony of the Gatlinburg Convention Center at the Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road entrance. Party favors provided by Mr. Tablecloth will be available near the base of the Space Needle on Historic Nature Trail.

    “It has become a tradition for families and friends from across America to come back to celebrate the New Year here in Gatlinburg,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager. “We expect to have another big crowd to help us usher in 2012 with their loved ones and friends.”
    The highlight of the evening is the ball drop from the Space Needle, signifying the old year is over and a new one has begun. Then music encouraging crowd participation and the fireworks show off the 342-foot structure will welcome the New Year in dazzling style.
     The entire city of Gatlinburg celebrates New Year’s Eve in a big way with many restaurants and attractions offering special celebrations. Lodging companies are offering special packages and entertainment, including the Park Vista – A Doubletree Hotel with dinner and a show.

    Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers a “Dance With the Sharks” party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. A ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast, fireworks viewing from Aquarium Plaza, and live entertainment.

    Popular hotspots are right in the middle of the fireworks area below the Space Needle and offer varying packages which may include music, buffets and a champagne toast.

    For information on other New Year’s Eve parties and activities as well as lodging and dining options, please call the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at 800/568-4748, or visit www.gatlinburg.com.

  The Birth of Christ is depicted at the Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens in Gatlinburg.

    Experience the “Reason for the Season” this Christmas at Gatlinburg’s favorite family attraction, “Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens” located on River Road right in the center of town.  From now until December 24th, all Sevier County residents will be admitted free to see the museum.    Just show your driver’s license or a pay stub showing you either live or work in Sevier County. Please think of the less fortunate at this time of year and bring a canned food item that will be for Sevier County Food Ministries.

  Always a crowd pleaser, Christ in the Smokies is this year’s winner of the “Best Attraction Award” for Gatlinburg’s Winterfest Lights. Giant snowflakes and colorful wreaths, angels, deer and over 10,000 twinkle lights cover the entire building and grounds.   

“We have the most viewed nativity scene in the world, as we are open 364 days of the year and visited by thousands of visitors. Unlike the nativity set you might place under the Christmas tree or on that special table during the holidays, ours is available all the time and gives you the feeling of actually being there in the stable on that Holy night.” states Art Director, Mark Pedro.

Not only is the nativity scene shown, but highlights from His Life including the baptism, Sermon on the Mount, last supper, crucifixion and ascension. This unique destination presents the story of Christ using realistic, life-sized biblical figures. In total, 12 scenes are presented in minute detail. Moving narration, music, dramatic lights and special effects all combine to bring to life the Greatest Story Ever Told.   

In celebration of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, a new exhibit has been added featuring an original page or leaf from the 1611 translation. A brief overview of earlier of Bible translations is also presented.   

We are truly the place to see this Christmas Holiday Season for the reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.   

Christ in the Smokies is open 9-5 every day except for Christmas Day.   For further information, call (865) 436-5155 or visit www.christinthesmokies.com.  

 The Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Barbershop Quartet will among several acts to perform at the Winter Magic Tunes and Tales.

    Enjoy a Christmas musical celebration as Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens hosts the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Tunes & Tales performers this Friday, December 16th at 5:15 p.m. The museum is located at 510 River Road and has extended its hours for both the attraction and gift shop for the evening.

The public is invited to attend and enjoy the sounds of Christmas and then experience a free tour of the museum at this special presentation. Parking for the event is also free, and everyone is encouraged to try the free hot apple cider and cookies provided by the museum. Rain or Shine inside or out ,come and enjoy.

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Tunes and Tales is an extraordinary group of entertainers from Walters State Community College Backbeat Chorus, Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Barbershop Quartet, and the Ginger Brown Academy for Performing Arts. Among the celebrities appearing at the event will be Frosty the Snowman, Sharky from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and Gatlinburg’s own Zeno the Bear! The cast will arrive via an antique fire engine provided courtesy of Gatlinburg Fire Engine Tours.

Christ in the Smokies is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily - Closed on Christmas Day. For more information, call 865-436-5155 or visit www.christinthesmokies.com. For Gatlinburg Special Events, please contact George Hawkins, Special Events Manager, 865-436-0526.

                    ####

                                        Herron  

                                         Kitts

                                     McMahan

   Three inmates escaped the Sevier County Jail Thursday prompting a manhunt. At approximately 9:30 PM  3 inmates overpowered a guard at the Sevier County Mininum Security Jail Annex on Old Knoxville Highway in Sevierville and climbed a security fence and fled on foot.

    An intense search of the area using K-9s, helicopters and ground searchers from various law enforcement agencies was conducted and the inmates were not found at that time. It is believed that one of the inmates may be injured. The following three subjects are being sought at this time for escape.

    Roy Ray Herron, 24,  is a white male that weighs 160 lbs and stands 6’0. He has  brown hair and  blue eyes and has a tattoo of “Sandra” on his left arm. Herron is incarcerated for theft and burglary

    Calvin Junior McMahan, 45, is a white male who stands 5’8” and weighs 175lbs. He has brown hair and blue eyes. He is being incarcerated for child support violation

    Tommy Ray Kitts, 37, is a white male that stands 5’10” and weighs 160 lbs. He has  brown eyes and brown hair and has  tattoo of a dragon on his right shoulder. He is being incarcerated for violation of probation, traffic charges and identity theft

      The subjects may be travelling with a female in a maroon Chevy Lumina or a 1993 blue Ford station wagon both having Tennessee plates. The Sheriff’s Department is asking that anyone that has any information to the whereabouts or encounters the individuals to call the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office at 865-453-4668 or their local law enforcement.

                                                 Donald Black  

     A Sevier County man has been arrested and charged in connection with 2 armed robberies. Donald M. Black, age 34, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of armed robbery. Black was taken into custody later in the night on outstanding warrants from Cocke and Loudon Counties. Black, of 1241 Old Red Lane Seymour is suspected of robbing the Dollar General store located at 2474 Boyds Creek Road was robbed on two occasions in November.

    The first robbery occurred on Nov. 10, when Black was alleged to have entered the store armed with a handgun and demanded money from the cash register. He allegedly fled the scene in a white SUV. the second robbery occurred on  Nov. 28 when a white male entered the same store brandishing a large knife and robbed the clerk and fled in a white SUV.

    Investigators were able to determine through video surveillance and eyewitness statements that it was the same vehicle and subject that robbed the store both times.

   On Wednesday Dec. 7, investigators with the Sheriff’s Office developed information that led them to a residence on Old Red Lane off Boyds Creek Road, where a white SUV that matched the description was located.

   After further investigation Detectives formally charged black with 2 counts of aggravated robbery. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Investigators from Sevierville Police Department, who are also investigating a similar robbery in their jurisdiction. Black is being held on a $100,000 bond pending an arraignment in Sevier County General Sessions Court. Anyone with any further information about the crimes is asked to contact the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 865-428-1899 or 453-4668.

GATLINBURG – The City’s Department of Tourism has recognized a prestigious group of entries in the 36th annual Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade as the best of the best in six specific categories.

 Thousands of anxious fans of the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade lined the streets Friday night in anticipation of the 36th annual parade that attracted throngs of visitors for many miles.

  The parade has become a much anticipated holiday tradition that kicks off the Christmas Season in Gatlinburg. Patrons waited patiently along the crowded sidewalks sitting on lawn chairs or blankets while sipping hot chocolate or coffee as they braved the cold.

  Before the parade Mrs. Claus, acting as emcee, spoke with several children and introduced local performers who danced in the street to a variety of  Christmas tunes. Shortly afterwards, the parade wound through the streets of Gatlinburg featuring 90 floats and entries that played holiday music and delighted the audience.  

 Pre-parade performers entertained the audience dancing to Christmas carols.

 This gingerbread boy was one of several large balloons that captivated fans of the parade.

Operaion LIfesaver encouraged safety  while crossing railroad crossings with a cleverly designed float. 

Sharky and Sharkette rode along on the Ripley's Aquarium float.

The Ober Gatlinburg float was another holiday favorite

Though he has a busy schedule ahead of him, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made their annual holiday appearance. 

  TSPE President John Cole, left, presenting the Outstanding Engineer of the Year award to Bryon Fortner

 City of Sevierville Public Works Director, Bryon Fortner, received the Outstanding Engineer of the Year Award at the 2011 Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers  annual meeting in Franklin, TN.

    The award is the highest honor given to a TSPE member, recognizing an individual’s outstanding and unusual contributions to his profession, to public welfare, and  for the benefit of humankind.

    “Involvement in professional organizations such as TSPE benefits our staff, and therefore our community, in many ways,” said Interim City Administrator Lynn McClurg. ‘We are fortunate to have Bryon as our Public Works Director.”

     Fortner was the 2010-11TSPE President, and currently serves on the Executive Board as the Past President and is the Nominating Committee Chair. TSPE (www.tnspe.org) is a professional association with about 1000 individual members including professional (licensed) engineers, engineering associates, engineering interns, and engineering students. TSPE members represent all technical disciplines and all practice areas including construction, education, industry, government, and private practice.