“The Gatlinburg Garden Club” will meet at 1:00 pm, April 7, at the “Gatlinburg Community Center”. Program: “Springtime In The Smokies” by Kenny Jones, award winning photographer.

The Sevier County High School baseball Bears continue their winning ways with a 7-2 victory over Cocke County. For the second night in a row the Bears handled the FIghthing Cocks on their home field. It was a good night for Sr. Charlie Gavaghan who went 6 innings with no walks, 6 hits and two strikeouts to earn the win. Gavaghan also blasted a home run in the 3rd to pick up 2 RBIs.

Cocke County scored in the first inning but Jr. Marcus Watson sent one over the wall in the bottom of the inning scoring 3 RBIs and the Bears kept the lead the rest of the night.

The Bears expanded their lead over the next 3 innings to 7-2 and Marcus Watson came in at the top of the 7th and closed out the Red team while facing only 3 hitters and striking out 2.

Sr. Kilby Carr went four for four at the plate for the Bears.

The Bears are now 7-2 for the year and 3-1 in the IMAC conference.

The Bears will travel to Karns on Friday night and to Clinton on Saturday at noon. Monday night at Seymour will be the first in a two game series with the Eagles and the second game will be the next home game for the Bears. Monday's game will be at 5:30 p.m. and the Tuesday night home game is at 6:00 p.m. These two inter county rival games will be quite exciting and great entertainment for the fans.

The Sevier County High School baseball team returns to play at home tonight with another quality win against Cocke County High School. The Bears won last night at Cocke County 9-1.

The game saw Dillon Cate take the mound with Cocke County pitching a lefty, Tanner Strange. The Bears were able to score 1 in the first inning as Trevor Harsson reached on an error by the Cocke County's left fielder and Austin Sisk got the RBI with a double to center field. Cocke County also scored in the first with an RBI by their clean up hitter Josh Williford. Bears were three up and three down in the 2nd and the Fighting Cocks also zeroed out after loading the bases and Dillon Cate worked out of the jam. In the 3rd the Bears left two on base and the Cocks left one on. The game turned into a pitching duel similar to the first South Doyle game. Cate did not have his A game but worked hard all night to finished with the win. The Bears scored again in the 4th with an RBI by lead off hitter Trevor Harsson and the Bears went up 2-1. Finally in the 6th Elliot Mcgaha walked and Ivan Silva reached on a error by the first baseman, again Trevor Harsson got a bunt single and another RBI and a second run scored on an error. Bears 4-1. In the 7th inning the Bears finally put the game in the book by plating 5 runs with RBI's by Trevor Harsson, Kilby Carr and Elliot McGaha. Drew Correll went to the mound in the bottom of the 7th to close the game. The first batter reached on a walk and the 2nd batter hit a shot to right field where Ivan Silva made his second outstanding catch of the game and threw out the runner on first who had started to 2nd for a double play and Correll struck out the last hitter.

The Bears play in front of the home fans tonight at 6 p.m. This should be an exciting game with the Fighting Cocks seeking their revenge.

Sevier County's Kyle Pope handles the catching against Cocke County.

Marcus Watson holds a Cocke County runner at second.

The Sevier County High School baseball team returns to play at home tonight with another quality win against Cocke County High School. The Bears won last night at Cocke County 9-1.

The game saw Dillon Cate take the mound with Cocke County pitching a lefty, Tanner Strange. The Bears were able to score 1 in the first inning as Trevor Harsson reached on an error by the Cocke County's left fielder and Austin Sisk got the RBI with a double to center field. Cocke County also scored in the first with an RBI by their clean up hitter Josh Williford. Bears were three up and three down in the 2nd and the Fighting Cocks also zeroed out after loading the bases and Dillon Cate worked out of the jam. In the 3rd the Bears left two on base and the Cocks left one on. The game turned to a pitching duel similar to the first South Doyle game. Cate did not have his A game but worked hard all night. The Bears scored again in the 4th with an RBI by lead off hitter Trevor Harsson and the Bears went up 2-1. Finally in the 6th Elliot Mcgaha walked and Ivan Silva reached on a error by the first baseman again Trevor Harsson got a bunt single and another RBI and a second run scored on an error. Bears 4-1. In the 7th inning the Bears finally put the game in the book by plating 5 runs with RBI's by Trevor Harsson, Kilby Carr and Elliot McGaha. Drew Correll went to the mound in the bottom of the 7th to close the game. The first batter reached on a walk and the 2nd batter hit a shot to right field were Ivan Silva made his second outstanding catch of the game and threw out the runner on first who had started to 2nd for a double play and Correll struck out the last hitter.

Sevier County's Kyle Pope handles the catching against Cocke County.

Marcus Watson holds a Cocke County runner at second.

After the rebound win over the South Doyle Cherokees on Tuesday night, the Bears Baseball Club spent Thursday night and all day Saturday playing in the annual spring Nike/Kessler Baseball Tournament in Oak RIdge.

The Bears were matched up with some of the power house teams in this year's tournament and sixth year Coach Lance Traywick commented,"  If we could finish the weekend 50/50 I would be proud of this year's Bears." Instead the Bears finished with a tie for first place in the tournament.

The action started Thursday night with an opening game against Powell High School from Knoxville. Powell was listed as number two or three in pre-season picks in the Knoxville News-Sentinels Prep Extra. They have a great group of talented players with some that will most likely play NCAA Division 1 next year. The game started with the visiting Bears giving up 8 runs in the first two innings to start the third 8-0. The third inning produced an outstanding amount of hitting by the Bears and at the end the score was tied 8-8. The Bears scored 2 in the 4th and 2 in the 5th to lead in the top of the 6th 12-8. Due to time played rules the 6th was to be the last inning. The Bears did not score in the top frame and Powell came charging back in the bottom. Powell scored two runs to bring the score to 12-10. With the bases loaded and the Bears still lacking two outs to end the game Powell's clean up hitter, Colby Skeen, came to the plate. Coach Traywick made a gutsy call and walked Skeen which walked in a run and the score went to 12-11. The next hitter hit a hard shot to shortstop Dillon Cate who started the process of a clean 6-4-3 double play to end the game at 12-11 in favor of the Bears.

The Bears immediately started a second game of the night against the Oak Ridge Wildcats. The Bears won 12-5. There is always the danger of a team letting down after an emotional win but these Bears kept pounding the baseball led by a two run homer in the third by Sr. Kyle Pope. 

The players returned to classes on Friday. Saturday's play begin by leaving Sevierville at 7:45 a.m. and traveling to Anderson County High School to face the Anderson County Mavericks. This is a real baseball school. They have just completed a brick backstop with new netting and their field was in excellent shape. Before the game an Anderson County supporter played the National Anthem while the colors were displayed by the Anderson County High School Naval ROTC Color Guard. It was a moving ceremony on a nice spring morning in East Tennessee.

The Bears made short work of the Mavericks winning 13-1 in a shortened run rule game of 5 innings. The highlight of the game was stellar pitching by Drew Correll of the Bears and a grand slam home run by the deep hitting catcher for the Bears, Kyle Pope.

Kyle Pope launches a grand slam shot against Anderson County Mavericks.

The Bears then traveled to Oak Ridge. After a lunch stop at Big Ed's Pizza the Bears took the field at the Oak Ridge Baseball Complex against Maryville High School. In a hard fought contest the Bears prevailed to win 7-4. Soph. Left Hander Colby King started the game for the Bears and gave a solid effort for two innings. Ivan Silva and Drew Correll came on in relief and Marcus Watson closed for the Bears on the mound. After the dust settled the Bears were 4-0 in tournament play.

More reports and photos after the break.

The game started with blue skies that turned cloudy for South Doyle as the Bears won tonight 17-6. The Cherokees attempt to throw out Trevor Harsson of the Bears but he steals second on a wild throw in the second inning.

Sevier County Baseball came storming back in tonight's game on their home field and took out South Doyle 17-6.

Things started out bleak as Senior pitcher Charlie Gavaghan took an inning to find his control. The second hitter for South Doyle put one in the wind that went over the left field wall for a home run. South Doyle scored 3 runs in the first and the Bears 0. In the second the Bears came storming back and put up 8 runs on 7 hits and were in control the rest of the game.

Jr. Marcus Watson took the mound in the fourth and after a nervous start settled down and took care of business. Every player that entered the game for the Bears scored at least one run.

" I was proud of the way our team came back after another nervous start and focused on their jobs. This was another step in the process of maturing as a team." said Coach Lance Traywick.

Kilby Carr waits at the plate after scoring to congratulate Austin " Bulldog" Sisk after a homerun blast in the 2nd inning.

Marcus Watson works on the mound as Ivan Silva watches on 3rd.

  Storage wars is a new TV series on A&E network featuring four professional buyers who purchase repossessed storage units in search of hidden treasure. The public will have the opportunity to participate in a local storage unit sale this week at the AAA Business Park Mini Storage located at 635 Wall Street in Sevierville. The public sale will be held on Wednesday March 16, 2011 at 5:00 pm.

  While the sales often draw repeat buyers, the process is quite simple for first timers. Repossessed units are opened and all bidders have the opportunity to look into the unit. Buyers may not enter a unit or open any boxes or containers. Once everyone has had time to view the unit, the sale begins. The unit will be sold in its entirety to the highest cash bidder. While the popular TV show features professional buyers, this hobby is open to anyone. Some people own consignment shops or hold regular yard sales and buying storage units is a great way to increase inventory. Some are looking for specific items like tools, furniture or baby items. 

   Approximately ten units will be up for sale this Wednesday. Anyone wishing to attend should be on location about 15 minutes before sale time to complete bidder paperwork. For further information or questions, call Robin at 865- 428-5711

     
View Larger Map

These three hens are out to enjoy today's spring weather.

(Submitted) Gatlinburg (March 3) – Everyone is invited to attend the celebration of Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday and Pancake Day, with a pancake supper to benefit Trinity.

This year, Shrove Tuesday is on March 8, and in celebration, Trinity Episcopal Church in Gatlinburg is having a Pancake Dinner from 6:00-9:00 pm in the Parish Hall. The menu includes pancakes or French toast with an assortment of toppings such as strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips, bacon or sausage, fruit bowl, and coffee or juice.

In the Christian calendar, Shrovetide is the last week of the season of Epiphany. Shrove Tuesday is the last day of Shrovetide and the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It gets its name from the ritual of shriving, when the faithful confessed their sins and received forgiveness before the Lenten season began.

Shrovetide is the English equivalent of Carnival. In cultures that celebrate Carnival, Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras, which literally means "Fat Tuesday" in French. Carnival comes from the Latin words carne vale, meaning "farewell to the flesh."

It is in this spirit that on Shrove Tuesday, Christians emptied their pantries of foods of the flesh and from the flesh, such as meats, eggs, milk and butter, in preparation for the 40-day Lenten fasting and abstinence period.

What did they do with the eggs, milk and butter? Mix them with flour and make pancakes, of course! That is how Shrove Tuesday became Pancake Tuesday, or Pancake Day.

The cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. The parish hall will be decorated for Mardi Gras and Mardi Gras attire is welcomed. For information, contact Trinity Episcopal Church, 509 Historic Nature Trail in Gatlinburg, TN, by calling 865-436-4721.  

 Sevierville Police say a man wanted in connection with a hotel robbery in February has been arrest in Georgia.

United States Marshal's Service deputies arrested Larrick Degree, 38, of Athens, Tennessee with the February 13, 2011 robbery of the Clarion Inn Hotel in Sevierville.

Sevierville Police detective Tim Coulter has charged Degree with the robbery.

According to Coulter, Degree's arrest came about because of information received from public information tips. Coulter used increased media coverage to generate public interest according to information from the SPD.

U.S. Marshal's deputies from the Knoxville's Smoky Mountains Task Force worked in conjunction deputies in George to arrest Degree without incident in Calhoun, Georgia yesterday.

A photo of Degree is not yet available. 

Legislation sponsors say will protect the freedom of Tennessee patients to make their own health care choices, regardless of the federal health care action taken in Washington last year, passed the Tennessee Senate this week by a vote of 21 – 10.

Called the “Tennessee Health Freedom Act,” Senate Bill 79 would protect a citizen’s right to participate in any healthcare system and the federal government from imposing fines or penalties on that person’s decision, according to the sponsor in floor debate.  Sponsors say the legislation does not seek to nullify federal law, as it would still allow individuals the option to participate in the program. However, it acknowledges the right of Tennesseans to choose not to participate in a government-run health insurance program. 

Financial experts predict that the federal healthcare plan will consume any anticipated growth in Tennessee’s revenues once the economy recovers, crippling the state’s ability to make future improvements in critical needs like education, job investment and public safety.  The federal health care law will also subject citizens to monetary penalties beginning in 2014 if they do not buy insurance.  Those penalties are expected to be approximately 2.5 percent of their taxable income by 2016 if citizens do not purchase health care insurance under the federal health care law requirements.  

Health Care Compact -- In other related action, the Senate Government Operations committee recommended passage of Senate Bill 326 calling for Tennessee to join an interstate compact with the express purpose of returning the responsibility and authority for regulating health care to the states.   Eleven states have already introduced the “Health Care Compact” during their 2011 sessions, while 33 states are actively looking at the measure.  

The Health Care Compact provides a legal framework in which states can create their own healthcare systems.  It essentially provides a permanent waiver to each member state to create whatever healthcare regulations the legislature deems best for the citizens of that state.  The structure protects Medicare and Medicaid funding by allowing member states to access federal tax revenues directly and without strings attached.

Legislation addresses lobbyists’ service on Tennessee’s Boards and Commissions

The full Senate voted 23 to 8 this week to approve legislation which aims to end conflicts of interest on Tennessee’s Boards and Commissions.  Senate Bill 237 prohibits individuals serving on state boards, commissions or other governmental entities from being registered lobbyists, during their membership term and one year following the end of the term, with any organization whose business activities are regulated by these state entities. The legislation also requires members of the state entities to be Tennessee residents.

There are approximately 250 boards and commissions currently in operation in the state covering a wide variety of matters and involve oversight for various professions in the state from real estate and health care to athletic training and funeral homes.  The Ethics Commission would be responsible for assessing any civil penalties or violations under the measure.

In separate action, the Senate Education Committee voted this week to change the method of appointment by broadening the base of Tennessee teachers eligible to serve on the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System.  The bill calls for three active teachers and one retired teacher to be appointed to the Board.  

Current law requires appointment of three teachers by the Tennessee Education Association, even though an estimated half of Tennessee’s teachers belong to the organization.  The legislation, as amended, allows professional employee education groups to recommend appointees to the Speaker of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Senate Government Operations Committee has found significant inconsistency on Tennessee’s boards and commissions in the various state laws regarding appointments.  Some require appointment by specific organizations, while others just ask for recommendations from a particular group.

Senate Judiciary Committee debates legislation strengthening penalties against child sex predators and human trafficking

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation aiming to close a loophole in state law that has allowed child sexual predators to escape prosecution on a technicality. The bill, Senate Bill 69, adds wording to Tennessee law to ensure that law enforcement in the state posing as minors can be used to prosecute cases where sexual predators use electronic means to solicit those under the age of 18.  

Currently it is a Class E felony for a person 18 years of age or older intentionally to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity by electronic communication, mail or Internet service, or to display pornographic material through these means. If the minor is less than 13 years of age, a violation is a Class C felony.

According to the Administrative Office of the Courts, there have been 51 convictions in the past four years for sexual activity or attempted sexual activity and solicitation of sexual activity involving a minor.  The bill now goes to the Senate Finance, Ways and Means committee for consideration of the fiscal impact.

Committee members debated but deferred voting on a separate bill designed to attack the growing problem of child prostitution and human trafficking in Tennessee.  The legislation would enhance penalties against those who patronize or promote the illegal act, as well gives law enforcement powers to impound a vehicle used in the commission of the offense.  

Currently, patronizing prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor in Tennessee, unless the crimes are committed within 100 feet of a church or 1.5 miles of a school, which is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor.  The legislation would make patronizing prostitution from a person who is younger than 18 years of age or mentally handicapped a Class E felony.  Penalties for promoting prostitution would be increased from a Class E to a Class D felony when a minor is involved, under the bill. Additionally, the proposal specifies that, if it is determined persons charged with prostitution are under age 18, they would be immune from prosecution for prostitution and be subject to the protective custody of the Department of Children’s Services.  

The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Children and Youth heard testimony last fall from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation that law enforcement agencies have seen a “dramatic increase” in the crime recently.  In November, federal authorities broke up a human trafficking ring that provided underage prostitutes involving 29 Somali men and women with ties to outlaw gangs.  

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that one in four children who run away are approached for commercial sexual exploitation within 48 hours of leaving home.   

Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System is in stronger financial position than most state pension plans

Tennessee’s Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) is in a stronger financial position than most other state pension plans, according to testimony by State Treasurer David Lillard before the Senate Finance Committee this week.  The system undergoes an actuarial valuation every two years by an independent actuary to determine the appropriate employer contribution so that the system is financed on an actuarial sound basis.  

More than 480 cities, counties, utility districts, emergency communications districts, special school districts and other government subdivisions have opted to cover their employees in TCRS. There are more than 214,000 active and 112,133 retired members participating in the retirement system, making it the 26th largest public pension fund in the nation and 77th largest pension fund in the world.  The TCRS has assets of more than $32 billion.

While the economic downturn has placed many states’ retirement plans in serious peril, the TCRS is considered one of the best-funded pension plans in the nation. The system has received an AAA long-term rating and an A-1 (+) short-term rating by Standard and Poor’s, the highest possible ratings issued by the nationally-recognized rating agency.  The actuarial valuation reported a combined state and teacher funding ratio of over 90 percent.  

Every General Assembly since 1975 has fully funded the TCRS at the actuarially recommended rate. Some states only finance a portion of their actuarially required contributions, which is a big contributing factor to future financial solvency problems.  The state has also taken a conservative investment strategy as opposed to states which have taken more risks in their portfolios.  

Judiciary Committee approves resolution regarding popular election of State Attorney General

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted this week 5 to 4 to approve a resolution that calls for Tennessee voters to decide whether they want to elect the state’s Attorney General (AG).  Presently, the AG is appointed by Tennessee’s Supreme Court judges.

Senate Joint Resolution 23, if passed on referendum, would amend the state’s Constitution to allow a popular election every four years. The amendment process requires approval by both the 107th General Assembly currently in session and the 108th, which will take office in 2013.  If approved, the question would then go to voters in a statewide referendum in the year 2014.  

In Brief …

Bovine / Liability – Legislation was approved related to liability of owners of bovine through the Senate Judiciary Committee this week.  Senate Bill 339 is modeled after the Equine Limited Liability Law for horses, which limits the liability of equine professionals and event organizers in case of injury or death resulting from the risks inherent in participating in equestrian activities. The legislation provides that in the event someone is injured on the bovine owners’ property as a result of that individual’s negligence or the unpredictable behavior of bovine, the owner is exempted from being held liable if signs are posted regarding the limitation of liability, as set forth in the bill.

FFA Presentation – Leaders of Tennessee’s FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) organization gave a presentation on the Senate floor Thursday regarding the “infinite potential” of the state’s young advocates for agriculture education.  The FFA envisions a future in which all agricultural education students will discover their passion in life and build on that insight to chart the course for their educations, career and personal future.  FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Transportation needs -- The representatives of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) testified before the Senate Transportation Committee this week regarding Tennessee’s road funds.  The group said that, for every $1 of transportation investment, $1.80 is generated of near term GDP (gross domestic product).  Tennessee’s good roads have helped attract industries like Nissan, Volkswagen and Hemlock.  ACEC is concerned about future transportation funding in the state, because of an estimated $2 billion gap between identified needs and anticipated revenues over the next decade.  Since 1992, the cost of highway construction has risen as much as 50 percent in Tennessee and 80 percent nationwide.   

Handgun Permits – The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved Senate Bill 306 which exempts handgun carry permit holders from the criminal background check requirement when purchasing a firearm if the permit was issued or renewed not more than five years prior to the transaction date.  

Parents’ Rights / Notification – Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee voted in favor of Senate Bill 86 this week to extend from 60 to 90 days the notification period a parent must give to the other parent regarding relocation.  The bill applies to a parent who is relocating outside the state or more than 100 miles from the other parent within the state, which must notify the other parent of the relocation by registered or certified mail.

SEVIER COUNTY, SR 35 (West Main Street) Bridge over West Prong Little Pigeon River: Motorists should be alert for lane closures and new traffic shifts in place around the clock through this bridge repair project. Motorists should expect potential delays, be alert for workers present and use extreme caution traveling in this area.

SEVIER COUNTY, SR 35 (Chapman Hwy.) Bridges over Gist Creek between White’s School Rd. and Tarwater Rd.: Motorists traveling through this area should be alert for lane closures and new traffic shifts through this bridge construction project. Motorists should use extreme caution, reduce speed and be alert for new and changing conditions through this area.

SEVIER COUNTY, SR 338  (Boyd's Creek Hwy) in Seymour at Old Sevierville Pike: Motorists should be alert for lane shifts, narrowed lanes, and workers present throughout this intersection improvement project. Motorists should expect potential delays and use extreme caution traveling through this area.

SEVIER COUNTY, SR 454 between Glades Road and SR 416: Motorists should be alert for a lane closure which will reduce the roadway to one lane controlled by a temporary traffic signal. Motorists should be alert for this new traffic condition. Motorists should be alert for lane shifts, construction personnel and equipment present through this construction project. Motorists should use caution and expect potential delays through this area.

(Recovery Act Project)  SEVIER COUNTY, SR 66 in Sevierville between SR 338 (Boyds Creek) and Nichols St.:

Motorists should be alert for changing conditions throughout this widening project. Short duration traffic stops in both directions may occur daily Monday through Friday through this project for utility crossings. Motorists should expect potential delays and use extreme caution traveling through this area. For updated project information, go to http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/highway66/

SEVIER COUNTY, SR 66 in Sevierville between I-40 and SR 139 (Douglas Dam Rd.): Motorists should be alert for changing conditions throughout this widening project. Short duration traffic stops in both directions may occur daily Monday through Friday through this project for utility crossings. Motorists should expect potential delays and use extreme caution traveling through this area. For updated project information, go to http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/highway66/

(Recovery Act Project)  SEVIER COUNTY, LeConte St. over West Prong of the Little Pigeon River in Gatlinburg:

LeConte Street has been reduced to one lane controlled by a temporary traffic signal. Motorists should use extreme caution in this area.

(Submitted) From left: John Morgan, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents; Gatlinburg City Commissioner Jerry Hayes, Pigeon Forge Alderman David Wear; Sevierville Vice Mayor Dale Carr; Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters; TBR Regent Danni Varlan and Dr. Wade McCamey at Walters State Community College.

Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and county elected officials were awarded with a philanthropic award today.

The Tennessee Board of Regents presented the Regents Award for Philanthropy to representatives from the Sevier County Commission, the Sevierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen, the Gatlinburg board of Commissioners and the Pigeon Forge Board of Mayor and Aldermen at a luncheon at the Walters State Community College in Sevierville for more than $10 million donated to the school through various projects over the years.

“This is a great example of what can be accomplished when people pull together,” said TBR Chancellor John Morgan to an audience that included State Senator Doug Overby (R-Maryville).

“These four government entities provided unprecedented government support. “

During the luncheon catered by Waters State's Culinary Institute, Morgan said the support from the county and its cities dates back to 1985 when the college's first campus was developed with the aide of city and county money and land from Sevierville. Since 2000, the combined government bodies have donated over $8 million towards the college's new building projects.

“I think the people of Sevier County are very supportive of higher education,” said Sevier County Executive Larry Waters.

Waters quipped he'd like to see the same kind of dedication in state funding, which drew laughter from the crowd.

Enrollment at the Sevierville campus has tripled since 2000, which is aided by the Sevier County Partners in Progress scholarship that provides tuition to all county high school graduates that meet requirements. The cities and county fund this program.

Many people spied rainbows and double rainbows on their way to town today. The weather is going to be blustery today. The one below was spotted by Eric Bennecker on his way to breakfast..

(Submitted) The United States Marine Band at the White House: “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, pictured here on the South Portico of the White House, is the oldest performing musical organization in the United States. It was established in 1798, and performs at the White House more than 300 times annually.

A Sevier County native has become one of the newest members of “The President's Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C.

33-year-old Shannon Coleman, a Gatlinburg-Pittman High School graduate formerly Shannon Kiewitt, is the proud player of a clarinet in the more than 200-year-old institution.

“Our primary mission is to play music for the president,” Coleman said.

“Anything the president wants us to do; we do it.”

The mother of two boys is a career musician who first started playing for military bands after she finished her Masters in Music Theory from Indiana University. Coleman played with the United States Army Field Band until she decided to have a second child.

Already missing the life of a career military musician, Coleman auditioned for the President's Own Marine Corps Band while 8-months pregnant.

“It's like what you would do in a major orchestra; it's that caliber of audition,” Coleman said of the audition she practiced for months in preparation.

Coleman, who sights her former G-P band director, Ron Hicks, as a mentor, said that she's been thinking about The President's Own for many years.

“I was aware of the band, and their level of playing since an early age. This has been a long time coming for me.”

While the duties are stringent, Coleman said she has few problems trying to balance her career in the military with raising her 1- and 5-year-old sons.

“I don't find any real difficulty at all,” Coleman said. “We all make it happen; we all make it work.”

For more information, visit http://www.marineband.usmc.mil

SEVIERVILLE -- A Tennis community comprised of city and county players has come together with the Parks and Recreation Department in hopes of addressing the county's growing need for better courts and more organized play.

More than 20 Sevier County tennis players attended a community interest session with the Sevierille Parks and Recreation Department Tuesday evening to discuss the city and county's growing desire for more tennis programs.

Players say that for the county as a whole, not just Sevierville, courts are overcrowded and in disrepair.

The players, many seeming to filter in from the nearby courts that haven't seen repairs in decades, said they would like to see the eight courts at the Sevierville City Park repaired, organized league play, tournaments, more availability of court time, and less competition with several county schools for the courts themselves.

“We're starting from ground zero folks. We haven't had a tennis program in a while,” warned Bob Parker, Director of Sevierville Parks and Recreation Department.

After about two years of trying to find funding to have the courts repaved, Parks and Recreation has managed to put together about $140,000 in grants and city allocations for the restoration of the eight courts. That puts them at half the projected $300,000 they would need to rebuild the courts to the United States Tennis Association's standards, which Parker added would grant the department an additional $35,000 from a special program if they complied with USTA's best practices.

But that would still leave them about $140,000 short of the needed funds to complete the proposed two-month rebuilding project.

Parker added that it may be a good time to ask for money from the county since several High Schools also use the courts.

Meeting attendees, who said they each represented larger player bases in Seymour, Gatlinburg, Catons Chapel and not just Sevierville, raffled off both fund-raising and leadership ideas quickly after Parker opened the meeting to suggestions.

“I think we need a director,” said Chad McFaler, who was at onetime the city's tennis director before the program faded in popularity in the late 80's. McFaler believes that a tennis director could effectively breath life into the program as well as funding.

Other suggestions included searching for local businesses support for funding and using a volunteer league to generate money through lessons.

Parker is to present the ideas and suggestions to the board of Mayor and Alderman at annual city retreat this weekend.

For information, contact Parks and Recreation at 453-5441. 

#

Hi, I'm Luke, and I'll be sharing some photos and stories about living and studying in Manchester, England over the next few months. I am a graduate of Sevier County High School and am currently a junior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I'm doing a pre-law program here at The University of Manchester this semester and hope to attend law school in the US in a couple of years.

The picture below was taken at York Minster cathedral in the city of York, England. It's one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, and parts of the building were constructed as early as AD 1080. I visited York last weekend, and the cathedral was probably the most impressive building I've ever seen. It also has an interesting history in that before there was a Christian presence in York a Roman basilica stood on the same site. Some of the original Roman walls and columns are still intact in the basement area of the current cathedral. The rest of the city was great as well, except for the particularly English weather--sleet/rain, wind, and cold. I'm jealous of the recent East Tennessee sunshine and warm days!

Sevier County Senior High 4-H members recently participated in the Eastern Region 4-H Public Speaking Contest from left- Alexis Hall, Lauren Jenkins, Heather Hatcher and Christina Lulich.

Sevier County 4-H members brought home honors from the sub-regional and regional 4-H public speaking contest held recently in Knoxville.

Senior 4-H members participated in the Eastern Region Contest with county winners from 33 East Tennessee Counties.  The contest was held at The University of Tennessee.  Sevier County winners taking part included: 9th grade, Alexis Hall-Gatlinburg Pittman High School,10th grade, Lauren Jenkins, Pigeon Forge High School; 11th grade, Heather Hatcher, Pigeon Forge High School and 12th grade, Christina Lulich, Gatlinburg Pittman High School.

Lulich was the Eastern Region winner at the 12th grade level.  As regional winner, she has won a trip to State 4-H Congress in Nashville, March 27 – 30, to compete in the State Public Speaking Contest.

Sevier County 4-H members who recently participated in the Big Nine Sub Regional 4-H Speaking Contest from left, Lindsey Hedrick, Rahul Bhojwani, Christopher Whaley, Rachel Jenkins and Jalynn Gamble.

The Big Nine Sub-Regional event was held at Central Bearden Baptist Church, Knoxville.  

Fourth through eighth grade county winners from nine surrounding counties participated.

Sevier County winners included; Lindsey Hedrick, 4th grade, Homeschool; Rahul Bojhowni, 5th grade, Pi Beta Phi; Christopher Whaley, 6th grade, Pi Beta Phi; Rachel Jenkins, 7th grade, Pigeon Forge Middle School and Jalynn Gamble, 8th grade, Catlettsburg.  As individuals, Lindsey placed third high overall.

The Public Speaking Contest is one of many 4-H opportunities available to 4-H members in Sevier County.  For more information about Sevier County 4-H opportunities, call 453-3695. 

 Megan Leigh McReynolds, 25, Knoxville, was charged with violation of probation, theft of property, violation of implied consent law, child abuse, criminal impersonation and driving on a suspended license by the Sevier County Sheriff's Department.

Andrade Bradis Antunez, 35, Sevierville, was charged with public intoxication by the Sevierville Police Department. He was released on $250 bond.

Robert Eugene Bryson, 41, Salem, VA, was charged with his second DUI and driving on a suspended license by the Sevier County Sheriff's Department. He was being held.

Dominic Pierre Carlton, 32, Knoxville, was charged with aggravated assault by the Sevier County Sheriff's Department. He was released on $15,000 bond.

Billy Duane Foster, 38, Seymour, was charged with possession of a schedule III substance. He was being held.

Jason Daniel Huskey, 21, Sevierville, was charged with DUI, criminal impersonation and violation of implied consent law by the Sevier County Sheriff's Department. He was being held on $3,500 bond.

Charles Butch Jump Jr, 39, Kodak, was charged with violating an order of protection and driving with a revoked license. He was being held.

Beth Ann Kizer, 30, Seymour, was charged with DUI by the Pigeon Forge Police Department. She was being held on $2,500 bond.

Josep Matthew Yarak, 36, Sevierville, was charged with public intoxication by the Pigeon Forge Police Department. He was released on $250 bond.