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.

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.

This eagle and another younger male have taken up residence at the Sevierville Golf Club the last few weeks. This photo was taken Sunday afternoon along the river in front of the clubhouse. The pair have been hunting along the river and the ponds on the golf courses. It is also rumored that they are looking for Eagle's Landing.

    The Sevier County Smoky Bears season came to an end tonight with a 41 to 7 loss to the defending State Champion Maryville Rebels. The Rebels defense stopped the Bears repeatedly while their offense proved indomitable.

                                     Photos by Bill Bloodworth

   In one of the greatest comeback wins in the history of Sevier County High School the Smoky Bears won in overtime tonight over the undefeated Dobyns-Bennett Warriors. With only 16 minutes left in the game the Smoky Bears who were down 28 points tied the game and won with a touchdown in overtime 35 to 28. The Bears advance to the third round of the TSSAA playoffs and will face the undefeated Maryville Rebels next Friday night in Maryville.

                    Photos By Bill Bloodworth

Logan McCarter takes Levoi's swing pass 19 yards for Sevier County's 1st touchdown of the night.

Dillon Cate (31) blocks this 4th quarter Dobyns-Bennett's punt and returns it 30 yards for the Bears 2nd TD.

The Sevier County defense dominated in the second half.

The Smoky Bears tie the score at 28 - 28 after this 1 yard TD sneak by Lavoi (11).

Lavoi (11) scores on a 1 yard sneak in OT to give Sevier County a 35 to 28 lead.

Peyton Otis forced DB's Swafford to fumble at the 1 foot line in OT and Otis recovered the ball to seal the overtime win.

   A Kodak man was arrested Friday morning on charges of promotion and production of crystal methamphetamine.

   42-year old, Khristopher J. Wise of Kodak was arrested and charged after being pulled over on Interstate 40 near milemarker 408.  While on routine patrol on I-40 westbound, Sevierville Police Department Officer Graham Ownby noticed a Ford Mustang parked on the median shoulder near mile marker 408. When Ownby stopped to check on the vehicle, he observed a male slumped over the steering wheel later identified as Wise. After attempting to wake Wise, Ownby noticed a strong chemical odor and observed numerous containers with hoses attached, in the back seat area.

    The Northview-Kodak Volunteer Fire Department and Sevier County Ambulance Service responded, along with the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency. It was determined that the materials in the vehicle were components used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. After a preliminary investigation was conducted, it did not appear that the manufacturing process was underway. The vehicle was seized pending additional inspection. The investigation is ongoing.

     The City of Sevierville Police Department  is asking for help from the public identifying two persons suspected of breaking into numerous vending machines in the City.

    According to SPD Detective Ray Brown, the two suspects, one male, one female, may be responsible for several vending machine burglaries that have occurred mostly at hotels in the Kodak area along Highway 66. Approximately eight burglaries have occurred over the past two months; almost $1,000 has reportedly been taken from the machines.

   In addition, the thefts have costs vending machine owners thousands of dollars for machine repairs after it has been broken into. Detective brown says the burglaries most often occur after 10 PM. Anyone with information concerning these reported vending machine burglaries is requested to contact Detective Brown at 865-453-5506.

                Police are seeking the assistance of the public to identify these two individuals who may be responsible for breaking into several vending machines.

Photo submitted by Glenda Raney

This mother bear and three cubs showed up on Middle Creek Road in Sevierville yesterday afternoon just in time to cause a bear jamb as school kids were being released for Halloween activities. They were only a few hundred yards from LeConte Medical Center and spent most of the afternoon in the same location. Due to the low amount of mast this year there have been several reports of bears roaming out of the National Park in search of food.

I was probably around the age of four years old when my papaw, that's grandfather for those who aren't from the south, started taking me to visit his brother in the nursing home.  From what I remember, it was normally once a month and always on Sunday afternoon.  I loved going!  I was always so excited; the nurses were always as kind to me as were the residents.  My great uncle always let me straighten his covers for him.  If he felt like being up, I could help push his wheelchair.  We always took him some type of candy, usually the peppermint patties that come in a box.  He would always share them with us and to this day they are still my favorite.  He was always so quiet, gentle, and kind, he never frightened me.  I never remember being afraid of any of the residents, they were just like the folks I was accustomed to being around at church or family gatherings.  They just lived in town instead of out in the country and they need a little extra help.  They were always telling stories about their lives growing up, their families, asking me questions, teasing me, just being normal folks.

I can still remember when, how, and where my mother had to break the news to me that he had passed away.  He was the first person I had ever really known that died.  I believe that was when I first realized exactly what a nursing home really was.  The aging process and death became a very real thing to me at the ripe old age of six.  As other friends and family would have to be cared for in the nursing home, I would visit but the carefree attitude I once had was gone.  The innocence of a young child had been squelched at his passing.    

I had the great pleasure of hearing a very lovely story that happened within this year.  A friend of mine whose mother had been cared for at one of our local nursing homes was entering the building for a visit when she was welcomed by the wonderful fragrance of roses.  As she entered her mother's room there was a beautiful arrangement of roses.  Not sure what the occasion was, she began to question the staff and was delighted to learn that not only had her mother received this gracious gift, but the other residents as well.

A very prominent businessman in our little town of Sevierville had gotten married and after the ceremony, he instructed the florist to deliver the roses to the residence of the nursing home.  My friend was so moved and appreciative that someone would remember her mother and others who are not so often thought about.  This most gracious individual was Mr. R.B. Summitt.  He did this not for notice or recognition, but to bring some enjoyment to those who just need a bright spot in their world, a beautiful bloom, a sweet fragrance, perhaps a long forgotten memory. 

So many times we see these stories with pictures and commendation for public service.  But, who was it really for, the person giving or for the recipient.  I commend Mr. Summitt for his generosity and for his quiet giving.  He hasn't a clue that this story is even being made known.  That is what is called true graciousness.  I hope that you will consider this when you decide who to do business with around our little town. 

Let's keep our eyes and ears open to what is really going on in Sevier County and see who is giving back to our community.  Let's look at how we can be gracious and kind and quiet in our giving.  Let us recognize those who are always willing to lend a hand, or brighten a day, or just lend an ear.  When it's all said and done, it's the little things in life that make it worth living.

--

Karen Patrick

    The Sevier County Public Library System which includes the King Family Library at 408 High Street in Sevierville, the Seymour Branch Library at 137 W. Macon Avenue in Seymour, and the Kodak Branch Library at 319 West Dumplin Valley Road, Kodak, will open at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 so staff may attend staff development training. For further information, please call 865.453.3532. 
 

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   The Sevierville Police Department is investigating an auto accident on Highway 66 near the entrance of Hammer's  Store. The accident occured at approximately 10:18 this morning at 681 Winfield Dunn Pky. The accident occurred when the driver of a Ford F-150 Pickup truck struck a late model Nissan Maxima on the driver's side door. The driver and a passenger in the Nissan were extricated using the jaws of life. The two were transported to LeConte Hospital. The identities of the victims have not been released and injuries have been reported as non- life threatening. 

  A late model Ford F-150 T-boned a late model Nissan Maxima as the driver was pulling into Hammer's on Highway 66 this morning. The driver of the truck said he had just paid off the vehicle. 

 Rescue personel used the the jaws of life to remove the door of the Nissan Maxima  and extricate the driver and a passenger.

   The Sevierville Fire Department and rescue squad responded to the accident.

Nice morning but clouds could be moving in to stay for awhile.

     Attention All Actors!  Do you miss the theater?  Or has it just been something you always wanted to try?  The SCPLS King Family Library, 408 High Street, in Sevierville is offering a start-up group for play reading.  The first group meeting will be Tuesday, September 27th from 6 - 8 PM at the King Family Library. The group will meet in the Grand Reading Room on the second floor. 
    This is an opportunity for people who love theatre to come together in a play-reading group. Please bring your own favorite scenes to share at the meeting. The goal of Reader’s Theatre Group is to have fun, explore different scripts, and eventually give a Reader's Theatre performance.  No auditions are required, but participants should be 18 and older. Please direct enquiries to Everette Bach at ebach@sevierlibrary.org or call 865-453-3532.

This one week old Tennessee Walker colt took advantage of the break in the rain to get out of the barn with his Mom. He lives on the James and Mandy Connor farm.

   Seventeen Sevier County residents were arrested Thursday in a drug round up by Sevier County law enforcement officials. The sweep began at 7 a.m. and continued into the night. More arrests are expected as more suspects are located.

   The suspects had all been indicted earlier in the week by a Sevier County Grand Jury that handed down sealed indictments. The indictments were the result of a six-month undercover drug operation investigation. 

  Several suspects were already incarcerated which made locating them somewhat easier. Others posed more of  a challenge.

 Among those rounded up were: 

Derek Asbury, 25, of Sevierville, indicted for the sale and delivery of Schedule II narcotics, Oxycodone.

Priscilla Steen, 44, Sevierville, charged with tampering with evidence.

Ronnie McClure, Jr., 29, Pigeon Forge, sale and delivery of of Schedule VI- marijuana.

Billy Howard Gibson, 56, Sevierville, two counts of sale and delivery of Schedule II- Oxycodone.

Joey Myers, 21, Pigeon Forge, two counts sale and delivery of Schedule VI- marijuana.

Jerry Dellinger, 46, Sevierville, one count of sale and delivery of Schedule II-Morphine.

Bobbie Gibson, 34, Sevierville, one count sale and delivery of Schedule II- Oxycodone.

Angela Falco, 32, Sevierville, sale and delivery of Schedule IV- Clonazapam.

Mathew Deskins, 31, Sevierville, one count sale and delivery Schedule II- Oxycodone.

James Cagle, 30, Sevierville, sale and delivery of Schedule II- Oxycodone.

James Ronnie McClure, 57, Sevierville, sale and delivery of Schedule VI- marijuana.

Brandon Whaley, 25, Sevierville, sale and delivery of Schedule II- Oxycodone.

Amber Dahm, 19, Pigeon Forge, sale and delivery of Schedule VI- marijuana and sale and delivery of Scheddule II- Oxycodone.

Daniel McCarter, 27, Pigeon Forge, one count of sale and delivery of Schedule II- Oxycodone.

Wesley Hill, 23, Gatlinburg, possession with intent to sell Schedule VI - marijauna, Possession of Shedule IV- Diazapam. casual exchange of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

David Chamblee, 21, Gatlinburg, one count sale and delivery of Schedule II- Oxycodone.

Ernest Ownby, 40, Gatlinburg, one count sale and delivery of Schedule II-Oxycodone. 

             Cagle                            Chamblee                        

             Dahm                                  Dellinger

           Deskins                          Falco

  Bobbie Gibson                     Bill Gibson                             

               Hill                                Asbury

         McCarter                       J. McClure

       R. McClure                          Myers                              

          Ownby                                   Steen

            Whaley     

    Mark Anderson scored the game-winning goal with 4:44 left in the second overtime period as 10th-ranked Barry escaped with a 2-1 victory at Tusculum in action at the Stanno Tournament Friday evening.

   Anderson took a pass from Guilherme Oliveira and found a slot past Pioneer keeper Andy Goellner for his second goal of the evening and his seventh in three matches this season. Anderson had forced overtime by converting a penalty kick with 9:36 remaining in the second half.

  "Obviously we are disappointed to have lost the game, but kudos to the guys for the way they played against a very good Barry team," said Pioneer head coach Allen Vital. "We did enough to win the game, but in the end they capitalized on the chances they had. If you leave the door open to good teams like that, they take advantage of them."

    Barry (3-0-0) controlled the play for most of the first half, outshooting the Pioneers 7-3 but kept off the scoreboard by Goellner who made three saves. However, it was Tusculum (0-3-0) that drew first blood 9:31 into the second half when freshman Stephen McNeill scored his first career goal on a blast from 35 yards.

    The Pioneers nearly took a 2-0 lead with under 20 minutes to go as Javier Portillo broke behind the Buccaneer defense and had a one-on-one opportunity with keeper Johnny Rodriguez. As Portillo went to make his move, Rodriguez came out and smothered the ball to deny the scoring opportunity.

   As time continued to run down, the game got physical as each side was shown two yellow cards in a span of 25 minutes. With Barry slowly entering desperation mode, a foul well within the box was whistled and Anderson cashed in to level the score at 1.

   The Buccaneers outshot the Pioneers 19-7 in regulation, but it was the Pioneers who took the only two shots of the first overtime period. With a draw seeming to be the likely outcome, Anderson made one final run for the Bucs and found net to close out the match.

   Barry finished with a 21-9 advantage in shots and a 7-2 edge in corner kicks in the match. The Buccaneers were called for 15 fouls and the Pioneers 14 in a match that included five yellow cards.

   Goellner made eight saves in goal for the Pioneers, while Rodriguez was credited with one stop for the Bucs.

    Anderson, who has scored seven of the Buccaneers' eight goals through the first three matches, was recognized as Man of the Match for Barry for his two-goal performance, while McNeill's goal earned him the honors for Tusculum.

    In Friday's other match at the Stanno Tournament, Nova Southeastern scored with 1:25 left in the first overtime to defeat Carson-Newman 1-0. James Pucci tallied the winning goal and was named Man of the Match for the Sharks, while the Eagles' Matt Craine was recognized for the Eagles.

   Play at the Stanno Tournament concludes on Sunday when Tusculum hosts Nova Southeastern on Pioneer Field at 1 p.m., followed by Carson-Newman against Barry at the upper field at 3 p.m.

  Collier Wine Group officially opened the doors to their newest winery in Gatlinburg, Sugarland Cellars, with a ribbon cutting. On hand were Gatlinburg city officials and members of the Chamber of Commerce who gladly welcomed the new business venture to the community.

. Amanda Henry prepares to cut the ribbon at Sugarland Cellars Winery in Gatlinburg 

 Members of the Chamber of Commerce were on hand to welcome the new business. 

  Collier Wine Group has a location on Collier Drive in Sevierville that specializes in Germanic wines.  Sugarland Cellars will specialize in Alpine wines made from berries from higher elevations.

 "We are going to be selling a logan berry wine near Thanksgiving," said Amanda Henry, manager of Sugarland Cellars. "I think we have bought every logan berry in the country."

  Henry and other personel with Collier worked almost round the clock making final preparations for the grand opening. Their efforts paid off well and business is reported to be brisk as customers have been streaming in steadily to taste the new line of fine wines.