May Pierstorff became the only child in history to be mailed  

   Throughout the history of the U.S. Post Office, postal regulators have been forced to write a postal manual comprising numerous rules and regulations. This was as a result of abuses in the postal system. Throughout the years, numerous patrons have attempted to mail items that were not intended to be mailed. But, because there were no rules in place in the early days of the post office, many items that should not have been mailed were delivered by the post office. Perhaps, the most unusual items mailed were a child and a building.

   In 1914 the parents of 4-year-old May Pierstorff needed to send their daughter to stay with her grandmother in Lewiston, Idaho. The Pierstorffs lived in Grangeville, 100 miles away. There were no airplanes in the area, nor did the Pierstoffs own a car and a train ticket was out of their budget. There was only one way to get their daughter to her destination. They would have to mail her.

  The couple took the little girl to the post office and told the clerk they wanted to mail the daughter. The clerk thought the couple was insane. He explained it was against postal regulations to mail a child. Mr. Pierstorff asked him to show him it was against the regulations. The clerk thumbed through the postal manual of rules and regulations and could not find a rule against mailing children.

  Left with no options the clerk glued 53 cents in stamps to her coat lapel. May’s mother gave her a sandwich for her journey. She was now the property of the U.S. Postal Service. May said goodbye to her parents and went to the shipping room where she sat with other packages. Later that afternoon, she and other packages were loaded onto a wagon and transported to the train station. Hours later, the train pulled into the train station in Lewiston and the precious cargo was delivered safely to her grandmother’s house.    

  Since then the postal code has been amended making it against regulations to mail people.

  W.H Coltharp became the only man in history to mail a building. Coltharp was put in charge of building a bank in Vernal, Utah. He found the brinks he needed in Salt Lake City, 127 miles away. He realized that shipping the bricks by wagon freight would be too expensive. But he soon discovered he could mail the bricks through the mail for a fraction of the money. He had the bricks packed into 50 pound boxes and sent to the post office. Before long, 40 tons of bricks were moved through the post office. The bricks were delivered and the bank was constructed. Since then the post Office has adopted a rule stating no more than 200 pounds of parcel may be sent in a single day.

    This is one of 50 strange but true stories in a new book written by Michael Williams. The book is entitled "Stranger than Fiction: The Lincoln Curse." The stories will leave the reader convinced that perhaps Mark Twain was right when he said "truth is stranger than fiction."

    Michael Williams has written for more than 30 newspapers and magazines including the Civil War Times Illustrated, The Civil War Courier, the Associated Press and the Knoxville Journal.

    The book is 187 pages in a softbound edition with numerous photos. The book can be purchased from amazon.com for $19.95 plus shipping and handling or you can save shipping cost and save $2 on the purchase price by ordering a signed copy directly from the author. Send $17.95 to P.O. Box 6421 Sevierville, TN. 37864.

  A body has found in a home that burned Saturday night in Sevier County. Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals states that the fire occurred at 4236 Meadow Drive in the Kodak Community and during a search through the rubble Sunday the body was found by members of the Northview/Kodak Vol. Fire Department.

   Investigators from the Sevier Co. Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee  State Bomb and Arson Section were on scene this morning and most of the day trying to determine the cause and origin of the fire. The body was removed and transported to the U. T. Forensic Center for identification and cause of death. The victim is believed to be that of a female resident of the home but a positive identification is pending the results of the autopsy. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

This week's winner of the make me laugh for the movies contest is Jack Smart of Pigeon Forge.

Last week's funny pet photo featuring a funny pet costume prompted Jack to send in a photo of his dog Paco who is dressed as Yoda from Star Wars.

Make Me Laugh For The Movies is a weekly contest sponsored by Reel Theaters. The rules are simple. Send us a funny story, funny photo 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 or e-mail themto seviercountynews@gmail.com

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.

                                  The Woods Family

  Most people that know Mike and Kim Woods describe the couple as caring, selfless and hard-working.   

    The couple started Helping Hands for Sevier Kids in 2009, an organization that provides Christmas gifts for many Children in the Area that otherwise would have done without.  The couple is usually the first in the community to volunteer when there is a need in the community.

  Now, the Woods family needs the community to step up and provide a helping hand. On February 29, Mike was cutting wood when the saw hit a knot hole. The saw blade sprang back and ripped deep into Mike’s hand severing several Fingers. Matters soon went from bad to worse because the couple had no medical insurance and the bills quickly escalated. Currently, the bills are a staggering $50,000 and rising. Mike is unable to work and is currently undergoing painful rehabilitation.

   This weekend the community the Woods family has so frequently volunteered to help is returning the favor by organizing a fund raiser to help the family with medical bills and costs of living.

   The fund raiser is an all-day event that begins at 2 p.m. on May 12, at the Sevier County Rescue Squad located at 1171 Dolly Parton Parkway.  The event will feature food plates, drinks, a bake sale, a cake walk, bounce houses, vendors, crafters, lots of Kids Activities and live entertainment.

    Raffle Tickets will be on sale to win tickets for many of the local attractions here in Sevier County.  There will be a silent auction for a variety of items donated from all over Tennessee. Some of the items will likely come as a surprise to many attendees.

   The couple’s sons, Bryson and Benjamin will be selling Limbstrong Bracelets to help support their father. Currently, they have already sold more than 150 of the bracelets.

   This will be a Long Recovery for Mike and he needs all of our Support at this time. In his typical selfless nature, Mike is thinking of needy children during his darkest hours. Mike is asking everyone that attends the event to bring a stuffed animal to be donated to the Sevier County Police Department for Children in Crisis. He has arranged to have an officer to pick up the Donations of the stuffed animals.

   The fund raiser starts at 2 pm and continues until the last person leaves, so come on out and visit with the Family and enjoy all the surprises his friends have in store for everyone. Bring a lawn chair and just sit and enjoy the day with the family and friends.

   Out of town guests can speak with organizers to get a discount on motel or cabin accommodations.

   Everyone is encouraged to come out and support Mike and see how he has handled calamity in such an incredible manner. His boundless faith has not been shaken and the family is glad to share their story as a witness to God for what they have been through.

  Please come out on May 12 at 2 p.m. to the Rescue Squad at 1171 Dolly Parton Parkway and support a family that has given so much to so many.

     The Sevierville Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man suspected of committing fraud.

    According to SPD Detective Dweese Milliron, the suspect apparently made three separate withdrawals at two local Tennessee State Bank ATM’s in late March. This person is also suspected of using the victim’s debit card at the local Wal-Mart and K-Mart stores. The total amount of money and merchandise believed to have been fraudulently obtained from the ATM’s and local stores is over $4,000.

    Anyone with information regarding this suspect is requested to contact Detective Milliron at 865-453-5507.

The Titanic Museum observed the 100th anniversary of the sinking Saturday with the descendants of passengers.                                  

  Thousands converged Saturday at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge to pay homage to more than 1,500 passengers who died one fateful night exactly 100 years ago when the Titanic struck an ice berg and sank into the icy depths of the North Atlantic taking with it two thirds the ship’s passengers.

  Many of those in attendance of the observance of the 100 year anniversary were descendants of the passengers, both survivors and victims of the tragedy. Many reflected on the lives of their ancestors, whom they know only from stories passed down through the generations, and the significance of the catastrophe that became part of seafaring lore.

  Among those descendants was Joyce Archer Sons, the granddaughter of Ernest Archer, and Steve Sons, a great-grandson. Archer was a member of the crew that helped numerous passengers escape the sinking vessel. Archer was wet as the night air turned frigid and his hands froze to the oar of the life boat he was rowing.

  “His hands were frozen to the oar when he was pulled out of the life boat by crew members on the Carpathia,” Sons said. He was an able seaman who was in charge of the life boats. Years later, he was on the Lusitania when it sank and on the Britannia when it went down. He died in 1917 of tuberculosis.”

  Several reflected on the historical accuracy of block buster movie “Titanic” which was directed by James Cameron.  At least one expressed chagrin for the film.

 “I think Kathy Bates did a great job with the script she had to work with,” said Helen Benziger, great-grand-daughter of Margaret Brown who became immortalized as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

  “Her name was Margaret not Mollie. Hollywood created that name. She was not the rough and uneducated woman she has been portrayed as. She was an intelligent woman who spoke five languages and ran for the senate eight years before women were allowed to vote.”

    Some of the descendants perused the collection seeking to discover how their ancestors lived in their final days and how they died. For many the walk through the museum was particularly emotional.

  “I can’t watch the movie Titanic,” said Barbara Gurgan, great-great granddaughter of Isadore and Ida Straus. “These were my flesh and blood. I can just imagine how it felt in that icy, cold  water.  They are my heroes. I look up to their love and integrity. The way they died was a testament to how they lived. They were devoted to one another and always made choices to help others.”

   On the night the Titanic sank, Isadore and Ida Straus approached  a life boat where a crewman asked them to board the small boat. Strauss refused to board and told the crewman “I won’t leave as long as women and children are on board.” He selflessly gave his seat to a woman fleeing the sinking ship. When Ida saw her husband on board the ship she stepped out of the life boat and gave her seat to her maid. She then gave her mink coat to the maid and told her “I won’t be needing this anymore.” Ida chose to remain onboard the ship in the arms of the man she loved and the two died together.

  “When their maid arrived in New York she went to the home of Ida and Isadore’s daughter, Sarah, to return the coat,” great-grandson Paul Kurzman said. “She gave the coat back to the maid and told her to keep it and remember her mother with the coat.

  “ At the time the Titanic was considered the fastest ship and though to be almost unsinkable. Man will never be a match for Mother Nature. The fact that Isadore thought differently gives a sense of humility. To this day I think of what I might have done in my life that would make Isadore and Ida proud.

The Descendants of Isadore and Ida Straus, Paul Kurzman and Barbara Gurgan

   Roll up your sleeves and dig in at Gatlinburg’s 11th Annual Ribfest & Wings festival Thursday, April 26, from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Gatlinburg. Come out and enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and hot wing eating contest, all promising a lip-smackin’ good time at the Parkway is transformed into a Street Fair between Traffic Light 6 and Reagan Drive.

   Regional rock band Demon Waffle and local rock band Tuatha Dea will provide free entertainment. Hot wing eating contests sponsored by All Sauced Up will feature sauces such as “Blazing Bomb,” “Treacherous Tongue,” “Scorching Screaming” and “Next Day Disaster.” Prizes will be awarded to the champion. See if you can handle it!
   Sampling participants include BKW Seasonings, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Calhoun’s, Crawdaddy’s Restaurant, Dick’s Last Resort, Gatlinburg Fire Department, Gatlinburg Police Department, Johnny Rockets, Loco Burro Cantina, Partridge & Pear Restaurant, Pucker’s Sports Bar & Grill, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Texas Roadhouse and Walters State Community College.
   “We think this will be our best Ribfest, Wings & BBQ extravaganza ever,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for the Department of Tourism. “The Parkway is such an exciting and unique venue.”

  Additional sponsors include the City of Gatlinburg, Coca-Cola, Food City, Hard Rock Café Gatlinburg and Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg.
    An armband for Ribfest, Wings and BBQ may be purchased for a small donation that allows sampling as long as the ribs and wings last. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Gatlinburg Hospitality Association’s educational scholarship fund.
   A panel will judge and award the best ribs or wings in seven categories. All vendors will be vying for the coveted “People’s Choice Award” chosen by popular vote.    

  Home Improvements. For all your home repair and improvement needs call Brandon at 865-661-5543. I am experienced and trustworthy with 8 years experience in painting, gutter cleaning, air conditioning and carpentry. Call for a free estimate. No job too small.   

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. – Coming into a critical TCCAA series tied with Chattanooga State for second place in the league standings, the No. 1 ranked Walters State Senators needed to do something big to keep themselves in the running for the regular season crown.

The Senators did just that, as they swept the three game series by taking both games in the doubleheader Saturday at Senator Field. Walters State run ruled the Tigers 11-1 in the opening game in five innings before going extra innings to win the finale, 3-2, in eight innings.

With the sweep, the Senators improve to 34-5 on the season and 14-4 in TCCAA action. The losses drop Chattanooga State to 30-14 overall and 11-7 in league play.

Walters State jumped on top early in the first game, as Marcus Davis reached on an error in the first inning and Jake Ellison smacked a two-run home run to give the Senators a 2-0 lead.

Walters State starting pitcher Josh Peterson cruised through the first eight batters of the game before running into trouble in the third. After getting the first two outs of the inning, Peterson issued a walk and hit a batter before Jordan McDonald drove in a run with a single to make it 2-1.

Walters State blew the game open in the bottom of the fourth. After loading the bases with one out, Kendall Keeton and Ellison both drove in runs with infield singles, and Colin Bennett tagged an opposite field grand slam over the wall in right-center to push the lead to 8-1.

The Senators finished the opener off in the fifth by bringing in a run when Marcus Davis was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Ellison drove in a pair of runs with a base hit to end the contest by the mercy rule at 11-1.

Ellison had three hits and drove in five runs in the win, while Andrew Allen added a pair of hits and Bennett dove in four runs.

Peterson (3-1) picked up the win after going five innings and giving up one earned run on four hits while striking out five.

Taylor Patterson (1-4) took the loss after surrendering four runs – one earned –on just two hits in 3.1 innings.

In the nightcap, the Tigers plated a pair of unearned runs in the first inning on two walks, a pair of wild pitches and a passed ball to take a 2-0 lead.

Chattanooga State starting pitcher Dylan Massengill made that lead stand up into the sixth inning when the Senators finally got a rally going.

Allen and Keeton led off the bottom of the sixth with back-to-back singles, and Keeton took second on the throw after his hit. Marcus Davis followed with a two-run single to knot the score at 2 heading into the seventh inning.

The score remained the same into the eighth, when the Senators put runners on second and third on a single by Keeton, an intentional walk by Ellison and a pair of stolen bases. Keeton scored the winning run on a wild pitch by Tigers reliever Blake Davenport.

Keeton led the offensive attack with three of the seven hits in the second game.

Walters State starter Dale Innes got a no decision after a solid outing in which he allowed two earned runs on two hits while striking out seven and walking three in 6.2 innings.

Cunningham (2-1) got the win after working a scoreless eighth inning. Davenport (0-1) took the loss after working 1.2 innings in relief. The Senators return to action Wednesday when they travel to Wilkesboro, N.C., to take on the Wilkes Cougars. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.

   A Veteran’s Forum will be held at the Tennessee Career Center at Morristown from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, April 10. The Center is located in room 110 of the Clifford H. “Bo” Henry Center for Business and Industry.

  This forum will feature Linda Mason, dean of records and veterans service officer at Walters State; Melissa Reynolds, assistant director of WIA services at the Tennessee Career Centers in Talbott and Clyde Vincent with the Volunteers of America.

   The forum is informal and will include information on finding employment and using your educational benefits.

   The workshop is free, but reservations are requested. To reserve a spot, contact Connie O’Vercum at Connie.Overcum@ws.edu or (423) 318-2341. This is funded under an agreement between Walters State Community College and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. 

  The search for a missing Sevier County woman ended tragically Saturday when the missing woman was found dead by a search team. According to Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals,  26-year-old Alicia R. Martin’s body was found at approximately  11:30 am today by a Sevier County Rescue Squad search team.

   Martin had been the center of intense search around her home since Friday by several agencies in Sevier County. Sevier County Sheriff’s Detectives were summoned to the scene where the body was found in a heavily wooded area approximately  200 yards from her home. The investigators did not find any signs of foul play at the scene but an autopsy has been ordered by the Medical Examiner’s office. All indications are that Martin had committed suicide. The investigation is still open pending the results of the autopsy.

     The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the publics’ help in locating a missing Sevier County Woman. Sheriff Ron Seals states that 26-year-old Alicia Renee Martin was last seen at her home on Shiloh Church Rd. yesterday morning. Evidence indicates that she apparently walked away from her home leaving behind personal items. Martin is described as being 5’5” Tall, 110 lbs, with black hair and blue eyes. She is believed to be wearing a black Krystal’s Restaurant uniform and black tennis shoes. Martin may be suffering from an altered mental status which may have led to her disappearance. Anyone with information on Martin is asked to call the Sevier Co. Sheriff’s Office at 865-453-4668 or their local law enforcement agencies.

                                                    Melanie Baggett

                                                       Rolando Cardoza

Detectives with the Sevierville Police Department have arrested two Sevierville persons on child abuse charges.

 According to Detective Bush, 35-year old Melanie Baggett was babysitting the 5-month old victim in late November 2011 when the victim’s mother reported that the child had injuries to her right eye and right side of her face. The child was taken to the hospital, whereupon the police department was notified.

 Ms. Baggett and her boyfriend, 37-year old Rolando Cardoza, were both charged with child abuse and transported to the Sevier County Jail. Bond was set for each at $75,000. The investigation is ongoing.

This week's winner of the make me laugh for the movies contest is Helen Morris of Sevierville.

"My grandson, Cody, is 6-years-old. He was at our house recently and my husband was in bed sick from an attack of kidney stones. My daughter called to see how Cody was doing. Duirng the course of their conversation he told her "Grandad is in bed. He has the Flintstones."

                           Helen Morris

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.

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Tusculum College women’s tennis player Holly Verner and baseball outfielder Alexi Colon have been named the Applebee’s Student-Athletes of the Month for March announced College officials Monday.                                

Verner, a freshman from Del Mar, Calif., helped the Tusculum women's tennis team compile an 8-1 record during the month of March, including wins over nationally-ranked Ashland and Wingate, as the team's winning streak reached 12 consecutive matches before being snapped on the final day of the month at Anderson.

Individually, she went 8-1 in singles in March, ending the month with eight consecutive straight-set victories at the number-one position in the Pioneer lineup. Verner also teamed with Katelyn Doss to go 7-2 at number-one doubles, with two wins over regionally-ranked opponents. The South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week for the week ending March 25, Verner closed the month leading the Pioneers in singles wins with a 13-2 record while sharing the team lead in doubles victories with a 12-3 mark.  The Tusculum women are currently 14-2 overall and 5-1 in SAC play (T2nd in the league).

 Colon, a 5-8, 175-pound senior from Vineland, N.J., batted .375 in his 20 games recording 24 hits, including five doubles and a team-best nine home runs.  He led the team to a 16-4 record during the month, including 12-2 in conference play.  The St. Augustine Preparatory School graduate also led TC during the month in total bases (56), slugging percentage (.875), walks (24), on-base percentage (.551) and stolen bases.  He also record three outfield assists.

 Colon currently leads the nation (NCAA Division II) with his 48 base on balls, which is already a new Tusculum single-season record.  He is also tops in the South Atlantic Conference with his 14 home runs.  He leads the team in runs scored (45), total bases (89), slugging percentage (.748), on-base percentage (.512) and stolen bases (11).  Tusculum is currently 32-5 overall and 19-2 in SAC play, which has the Pioneers tied for the lead atop the league standings.

 The Tusculum College Student-Athlete of the Month Award is sponsored by Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar of Greeneville.  The Applebee’s Student-Athlete of the Month Award honors one male and one female student-athlete each month from an in-season sport during the 2011-2012 academic year, recognizing their hard work, effort and performance.

   Country music superstar Josh Turner will perform April 12 at the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville. Turner is known for his deep soulful voice that earned him a standing ovation on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 2001 with his impressive delivery of "Long Black Train."

 Turner has sold more than four million albums and garnered four multi-week number 1 singles with  "Your Man" and "Would You Go With Me”, "Why don't we just dance" and "All over me." His debut album was certified platinum for more than 1 million copies sold, and his follow up album, “Your Man,” was one of only four country albums to reach double-platinum status in 2006. Six years after his Opry debut, he was inducted into the prestigious organization, becoming one of the youngest artists to receive such an honor.

  Turner discussed his upcoming album and his newest single in an interview Wednesday.

   “My newest single is ‘Time is Love.’ Turner said. “I wish I had written  the song. The first time I heard it I knew it had the ingredients to be a hit. It was a no brainer. The tune was catchy and I realized it would cater to my voice very well.”

   The single is part of Turner’s fifth album which he helped co-write.

    “The album is entitled ‘Punching bag’ and it is scheduled for release in June,” Turner said. The album has 11 songs and I helped write eight of them. We hope to have it released by early June. The album reflects a lot of experience and I was a lot more confident in making this one.”

  Turner was inspired early in his career by several of the industry’s elite whose mistakes and successes helped mold the aspiring star as he made his mark in country music.

  “For me, the Mount Rushmore of country music is Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, John Anderson, Vern Gosdin and Hank Williams, Sr. I learned from their mistakes and successes. They taught me to develop my own style and to be unique. I have always been a big fan of George Jones and I live near his home. I see him out and about at times. He has always been an influence and I have always been a fan.”   

   Turner received quite an honor in 2007 when he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

   “Oh, I was in shock. This past December was the tenth anniversary of my debut on the Opry and it has been five years since I was inducted. Time has really flown. My country music family has always been supportive of me and I promote country music when I am touring and performing.”

    While Turner has won more than his share of awards he said he plans to sit out this year’s American Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

  “I plan to play hooky this year,” he joked. “I am just going to take it easy and hang around the house.”

   Although Turner has played Knoxville several times, he admits he has never played the Tennessee Theater and is excited about his upcoming show.

   “Several people have been telling me how beautiful the theater is,” Turner said. “I am looking forward to seeing it.”

   Turner will take the stage April 12 at 8 p.m. the Tennessee Theater is located at 604 South Gay Street in Knoxville. For ticket information call    (865) 684-1200, option 2. Patrons may also visit the theater in person Monday through Friday 10  am to 5 pm or on Saturdays from noon until 4 pm. 

 CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- The Tusculum College women’s golf team fired an opening day 324 and is in seventh place following first round action of the 12^th annual J. Ralph Hargett Memorial Intercollegiate. The two-day, 36-hole tournament is being held at the par 72, 5,823-yard Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation.

 Tusculum is 17 shots behind tournament leader Barry, who carded 307 and leads by seven strokes over second-place Queens University of Charlotte (314). Carson-Newman and Columbus State are tied for third with 319, while Florida Tech and Flagler each shot 321 and are tied for fifth place.

 Tusculum is seventh, while Armstrong and tournament host Wingate each posted 326 and is tied for eighth place. Anderson is 10^th with 328, followed by Catawba (329), Lincoln Memorial (331), Lenoir-Rhyne (334), UNC Pembroke (338), Coker (342), Belmont Abbey (345) and King (351).

 Tusculum senior Aly Pugh led the Pioneers with her 78 and is tied for 10^th place. Pugh is four shots out of the lead, held by Barry’s Daniela Murray and Laura Belanger of Queens, with identical scores of two-over par 74.

 Tusculum rookie Emee Herbert carded a 79 and is tied for 18^th, while Sara Howard tallied an 83 and is tied for 43^rd. Jillian Corum is tied for 52^nd place with her opening 84, while Katie Doane shot 89 and is 75^th. Freshman Alec Cunningham, playing as an individual competitor, posted an 85 and is tied for 58^th place.

 The final round of the Hargett Memorial will be held Tuesday.

You can clearly see that the pot of gold is located in Mitchell Bottoms at the end of this afternoon's rainbow.

Lt. Bobby Anderson, Roane County Sheriff’s Office; Steve Dillard, GHSO East Tennessee Law Enforcement Liaison; SPD Officer Brandon Perry; Lt. Randy Ailey, Blount County Sheriff’s Office.

Sevierville Police Department Officer Brandon Perry was recently named as the 2011 Governor’s Highway Safety Office East Tennessee Region Officer of the Year. Officer Perry has been with the SPD since 2007.

 From January –October 2011, Officer Perry was responsible for making thirty-five drug-related arrests as a result of traffic stops; seized three vehicles, over one-half pound of marijuana, 102 grams of crack cocaine and more than $36,500. Since 2008, Officer Perry has made over 100 drug related arrests as a result of traffic stops and seized more than $60,000. Furthermore, Officer Perry has a 100% conviction rate for all drug arrests.

 The GHSO Officer of the Year Award is oriented towards highway traffic safety and results of traffic stops.

 In his nomination form, SPD Captain Terry Bryan noted that Officer Perry “is deserving of recognition for his daily professionalism, outstanding courtesy, and his keen eye for detecting and apprehending drug abusers and distributers.”

 SPD Chief Don Myers praised Officer Perry’s diligence and said “Officer Perry’s attitude and work ethic exemplify what we should all strive to achieve in law enforcement.”

    The Sevier County Sherriff’s Department made 10 more arrests Thursday in a continuing effort to combat illegal drugs in the county.  The suspects were arrested in connection with last week’s drug round-up conducted by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit. Sheriff Ron Seals stated that the search for additional suspects has been ongoing since the initial round-up that took place  March 8^th after 40 indictments were handed down. The following people have been arrested and several more are still being sought.

               Shirks                                Hart

             Melendez    

Jesse Shirks,  age 27, 31186 Rhea Co. Hwy., Rhea, Tn. 2 cts. sale and delivery Sch. II –Oxycodone.

Ricky D. Hart,  age 49, 355 Titsworth Springs Rd. Seymour,Tn.  2 cts Sale and delivery counterfeit controlled substance Bond:$10,000.

Alex Melendez,   age 27, 632 Delainey Rd. Kodak, Tn. 1 ct sale and delivery Sch. II-Oxycodone Bond:  $15,000.

                   Sutton                         Jones 

           Claude

Tessa L. Sutton,  age 30, 1755 Moon Court, lot B, Sevierville, Tn. 2 counts sale and delivery Sch. II-Morphine 1 count sale and delivery Sch. II-Oxycodone

Candace L. Jones,  age 31, 2069 Fox Lane, Sevierville,Tn. 2 counts sale & delivery of Sch. II-Oxycodone Bond: $15,000.

Sarah M. Claude,   age 28, 3307 Chinquapin Dr. Sevierville,Tn. 1 count sale & delivery Sch. II-Oxycodone Bond:$15,000.

            Tharp                       Harris

              Cruze                                Boggs

Anthony A. Tharp,   age 50, 1070 Timberlake Cir. Sevierville,Tn. 2 counts sale and delivery Sch. II Oxycodone. Violation of a court order. Bond: $60,000.

Joseph F. Harris,   age 35, 3869 Thomas Crown Rd. Sevierville,Tn. 1 count sale and delivery Sch. II-Oxycodone Bond: $15,000.

Nikki L. Cruze,   age 26, 608 Forest Dr. Pigeon Forge, 1 ct sale and delivery of counterfeit substance Bond: $10,000.

Billy Joe Boggs,   age 36, 110 Keller St. Cumberland, Ky. 2 counts sale and delivery Sch. II-Oxycodone In custody in Harlan Co. Kentucky.