Pigeon Forge, TN - - The non-profit American Eagle Foundation (www.eagles.org) was recently recruited by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and an environmental consulting firm to participate in a special bald eagle egg rescue operation in Florida that has made the Orioles very happy…the baseball team that is.

In early February, the ball players from Baltimore plan to migrate to Sarasota for their 2011 spring training, but a family-minded eagle pair apparently wanted to reserve the best skybox in the ballpark ahead of time.

The “urban birds” recently built a new nest atop a 135-foot light pole located in the right outfield of Ed Smith Stadium where a $24 million renovation is aggressively underway with a tight spring deadline for completion. The construction activities include 150 workers and a fleet of noisy heavy equipment continuously moving about the sports complex.

Florida wildlife officials believe the same eagle pair fledged eaglets last year from a nest they had built on a cellular phone tower about a quarter mile away from the stadium site.

This unexpected new nest, had given construction crews, eagle experts, county officials and the Orioles valid reason(s) to be concerned, since federal/state laws and management guidelines, including the Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act, prohibit disturbing the National Bird and their chosen nesting site.

State and federal wildlife officials worked closely with the Orioles and other interested parties to ensure there will be a happy ending for everyone involved and affected – including the majestic eagle pair and their yet to hatch youngsters.
Federal and state permits were issued to the Orioles and their consulting firm, Cardno ENTRIX, to remove the eggs and cover the nest with a tarp in order to prevent the birds from returning there again. The tops of other light poles at the stadium were also modified to discourage future possible eagle nesting.

“If the eggs had hatched in that location, the eaglets would have experienced substantial noise disturbance while in the nest from continued construction and regular baseball activities”, said American Eagle Foundation founder/president Al Cecere. “They’d also potentially encounter serious hazards after fledging, especially when learning to fly and searching for food in that area, due to concentrated auto and truck traffic and masses of people attending on-going stadium events. This could put them at a high risk of being harassed, injured or killed.”
AEF staff members, led by Cecere, traveled to Sarasota from Pigeon Forge last Monday in an RV with generators, incubators and other equipment needed to safely retrieve the fragile eggs and transport them to Tennessee. On Tuesday morning, the eggs were removed and taken to the AEF’s United States Eagle Center at Dollywood to be monitored and hatched. Any chicks born will be raised with minimum human contact for eventual release into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

“Since it’s early in Florida’s eagle breeding season, the adult birds could still possibly lay a second clutch of eggs at a different more ideal nesting location – even the nearby cell tower nest,” said Cecere. “So, eagle populations in both Tennessee and Florida could potentially benefit from removing the eggs early in the nesting cycle”.

The female eagle had recently laid two eggs around Dec. 4th, when the pair was first observed by wildlife experts to be sitting tight to their nest.  Bald eagles typically lay one to three eggs annually, usually a couple days apart, and the incubation period is about 35 days. As of 2009, there were about 1,340 active nests in Florida and 91 active nests in Tennessee.
 

“Over the years, our conservation group has hatched and raised many eaglets for release into the wild”, said Cecere. “We’re hopeful these eggs are viable and fertile and will hatch soon after we enter the New Year. If that happens, the eaglets could likely be released by early April.”

Once hatched, the eaglets would either be fed by human-operated eagle puppets or by non-releasable eagle foster-parents housed in captivity at the AEF facility. At 6 weeks of age, the young birds would be placed in an artificial nesting tower overlooking Douglas Lake in East Tennessee, and would be released at about 12 or 13 weeks of age. Prior to their release, they’d be equipped with USFWS leg bands, tail-mounted radio tracking transmitters, and colored/numbered patagial ID tags on one wing that can easily be viewed from a distance.

“We’ve received a number of bird rescue calls over the years, but this is certainly one of the most unusual one’s”, said Cecere. “This is a special and worthwhile project to cap off our 25th Anniversary year.”

GATLINBURG - Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2011 in unique style with its 23rd Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Friday night, December 31, 2010.

At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2011, the Space Needle area will shine with a red glow from the surrounding rooftops at the beginning of a music program which includes selected songs followed by a choreographed fireworks show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee.

Leading up to midnight, popular musical entertainment will be headquartered on the balcony of the Gatlinburg Convention Center at the Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road entrance. A disc jockey will entertain the crowd prior to midnight at the free public event, with party favors provided by Mr. Tablecloth available near the base of the Space Needle on Historic Nature Trail.
           

“It has become a tradition for families and friends from across America to come back to celebrate the New Year here in Gatlinburg,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager. “We expect to have another big crowd to help us usher in 2011 with their loved ones and friends.”
           

The highlight of the evening is the ball drop from the Space Needle, signifying the old year is over and a new one has begun. Then music encouraging crowd participation and the fireworks show off the 342-foot structure will welcome the New Year in dazzling style.

The entire city of Gatlinburg celebrates New Year’s Eve in a big way with many restaurants and attractions offering special celebrations. Lodging companies are offering special packages and entertainment, including the Park Vista – A Doubletree Hotel with dinner and a Las Vegas Style Show.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers a “Dance With the Sharks” party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. A ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast, fireworks viewing from Aquarium Plaza, and two live bands, Kevin McGuire & Friends and Rock-It. Kids arrangements and programs are also available.

Popular hotspots like Blaine’s Restaurant, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, and T.G.I. Friday’s are right in the middle of the fireworks area below the Space Needle and offer varying packages which may include music, buffets and a champagne toast.

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

MORRISTOWN - Walters State’ s Community Education Program’ s January classes include several that will lead to healthcare careers. The Certified Nursing Assistant Course will begin meeting Jan. 24 and meetsMonday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for six weeks on the Morristown campus. An evening class will be offered on the both the Sevier County Campus and the Greeneville/Greene County Campus. Start dates for those classes are Jan. 31 for Sevierville and Jan. 11 for Greeneville. The class includes classroom lectures, classroom skill sessions and clinical experience.

Students completing the class are eligible to take the state-licensing exam upon successful completion of the course. The fee is $499. (This does not include the cost of the exam.) The Phlebotomy Technician program will also be offered on all three campuses.

This 90-hour class prepares students and professionals to collect blood specimens from clients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. Start dates are Feb. 14 on the Morristown campus; Jan. 25 on the Greeneville/Greene County Campus; and March 8 on the Sevier County Campus. Upon completion of the course, students may also complete a clinical experience that includes 100 documented, successful sticks at a clinical site. The course fee is $1,680. Register early, as class size is limited. The Registered Dental Assistant course will be offered Jan. 11-May 26. Registration for this course ends Dec. 22. The course fee is $625. This will be offered on the Morristown and Sevier County campuses.

The EKG Technician class will also be offered at the Morristown and Sevier County campuses. The program meets Monday and Wednesday evenings in Morristown, Feb. 21-April 11. The class meets 6-9:30 p.m. April 19-June 17 in Sevierville. For more information about any of these classes, please contact the Division of Community Education at (865) 774-5852 or (423) 585-2675.

SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Sevierville Parks and Recreation Department still has space open for the Flurry of Fun Program.  Registration forms are available at the Sevierville Community Center. The fun program is for children from kindergarten age through sixth grade. Activities will include swimming, bowling, an art project, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, whiffleball, basketball and kickball.  Scheduled field trips include Premier Athletics for gymnastics, Spin City Roller Skating, shopping, Reel Theatres and Mr. Gatti’s.

The program dates are December 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. The registration fee is $90.00 for all five days.  Daily registration is also available at $18.00/day. The fees include most activities, field trips, lunches and an afternoon snack.
 
For additional program information, please contact Deanna Hutchens at 868-1875.

SEVIER COUNTY, TN - A multi-county Master Horse Owner program has been scheduled for January and February in the Sevier County/Knoxville area. Horse owners will be participating in the program from 8 surrounding counties. Classes will be held in Knoxville starting on Tuesday evening January 11, 2011. The class will run for the next 4 Tuesday evenings in January and February Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1)  and on Saturday February 5th. Cost for this class will be $150.00

Tennessee horse enthusiasts and professionals spend nearly $300 million a year subsidizing their passion. From the idle “yard ornament” some keep on a small acreage to the high-dollar performance horse on the show circuit, Tennessee’s equine population of more than 210,000 is an important driver of the state’s agricultural economy.
An increasing number of owners, however, come to the sport, or hobby, with little or no agricultural background. For first-time owners especially, the learning curve in the responsibilities of horse stewardship can be steep. UT Extension has filled the need for education with a new program for horse owners.

The Master Horse Owner program targets all horse owners. The program is mainly written for  adults, although it is suitable for all ages. The Tennessee Master Horse Owner (MHO) program, is designed to deliver science-based information to horse aficionados, from the novice to the professional. The 16 hour training covers the equine industry, health, nutrition, reproduction, genetics and selection, behavior and training, farm management, and business management.

For additional information about this class, or to get signed up to participate, you can contact the Sevier County Extension Office at 453-3695 or wabruhin@utk.edu.   You can also come by our office at 752 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville. We are located on the Sevier County Fairgrounds.

GSMNP - Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the award of a $33.8 million contract to continue construction on the “Missing Link” of the Foothills Parkway.  The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (FHWA) made the award to the Lane Construction Company of Charlotte, NC to design and build a substantial portion of the uncompleted section of the Foothills Parkway between Walland, TN and Wears Valley, TN. 

The recent contract is for the construction of approximately one-half mile of the Parkway, including three bridges, two that will extend eastward from the Walland end, and the third to run west from the Wears Valley end.  Park officials have dubbed this recent project “The Multiple Bridges Project”.

Under terms of the contract, Lane Construction has until October 25, 2015 – five years - to complete the project, beginning with the preparation of detailed plans and specifications for approval by the Federal Highway Administration and continuing through construction.

Funding for the project came from a variety of funding programs administered by the National Park Service and the FHWA, including $7.7 million that was made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.  Work is already underway on a $24.7 million, ARRA-funded, project to design and construct an 800 foot-long bridge which will extend west from the Wears Valley end.  The current project is expected to be completed in November 2011, so that work under this latest contract can begin where it leaves off.

“The completion of these contracts will be a huge step toward meeting our goal of having this Walland to Wears Valley segment of the parkway completed in time for the National Park Service’s Centennial in 2016,” said Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent, Dale A. Ditmanson.

Currently, this 16.1 mile segment of the parkway is made up of two partially-completed portions, one extending east from Walland, and the other extending west from Wears Valley.  With the latest contract, work is now partially-completed or under contract for approximately 15.77 miles of the 16.1 miles of this section. The NPS and FHWA are still seeking the funding to award a contract, or contracts, to construct the remaining .33 miles, including the last two bridges, and to pave and finish the entire 16.1 miles so that it can be opened to traffic.

The Wears Valley section is currently closed to all public access while the construction of the 800 foot bridge is underway.  Park officials expect to close the Walland section to all public access as of December 16, 2010 when work on the Multiple Bridges Project begins.

The Foothills Parkway is a scenic parkway congressionally authorized in 1944.  The parkway corridor is 72 miles long, but to date, only two discontinuous segments totaling 22.5 miles are completed and open. Administered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Parkway parallels the Park’s northern boundary from Chilhowee Lake, TN to Interstate 40 near Cosby, TN.

GATLINBURG, TN - The low drone of the bagpipes has been echoing through the Smoky Mountains for centuries. If you listen closely you just may hear “Scotland the Brave”, riding on the mists that gives these mountains their name, calling to you to celebrate this areas Scottish heritage.  Now thanks to the efforts of a small group of Sevier county residents the pipes will play on for another year in Gatlinburg at the city’s annual Highland Games.  The newly formed Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games, Inc. has been working tirelessly to fill the vacancy left by the previous Scottish games board when it decided to pursue a new venue and games in Maryville, TN earlier this year.

Along with the backing of the City Commission, Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games, Inc. has already began plans for the 30th Anniversary of the Games in Gatlinburg in 2011, thereby keeping this long standing tradition of celebrating all things Scottish alive and well in the heart of the Smokies.

The 30th anniversary celebration of the Scottish Highland Games has been scheduled for May 13th -14th, 2011 at Mills park in Gatlinburg. The sights and sounds of Pipe and Drum bands, Scottish Clans, Highland Dancers and of course the Scottish Athletic events will mingle with the smells and tastes of the very best in authentic Celtic food and drink. Scottish merchandise from numerous regional and national vendors will be available. The group also hopes to provide contemporary Celtic entertainment on a much larger scale than past games as well as providing an exciting and educational Children’s area at the games so that future generations of Scots are aware of their history and heritage.

It is for that reason, namely the continued preservation and celebration of our areas Scottish heritage, that the Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games, Inc. is proud to be working so closely with the City of Gatlinburg to once again bring this event to the residents of Sevier County. 

“The Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games is definitely an event that welcomes and captivates the attention of people of all ages, with a constant variety of entertainment, competition, and culinary distractions that the entire family will enjoy.  We have something here in Gatlinburg that no other Highland Games has, from the unmatched natural beauty of the venue itself, to the range of restaurants, and attractions that the area has to offer. We welcome the opportunity to share all of that with the millions of annual visitors to the City and the National park.” Said Brian Papworth , President of the Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games, Inc.

SEVIER COUNTY, TN - The Sevier County Ambulance Service recently won the Ambulance Service of the Year for Tennessee Region II. Sevier County was recognized for developing a comprehensive heart attack treatment program with electronic data transmission to the receiving emergency room, providing high-quality EMS services in a tourist destination and having dedicated employees with minimal turnover.

Tennessee Region II EMS is made up of 16 counties and 32 ambulance services in East Tennessee and recently had their Directors Association Conference in Gatlinburg.

As part of the Sevier County nomination, an example of a patient that used the new cardiac program was cited. The patient was diagnosed with an acute heart attack and transported to a facility capable of interventional cardiology.

Due to the advance notification, the patient was taken directly from the ambulance into the cardiac cath lab and there was a 17 minute time frame from arrival at the hospital until the affected coronary artery was opened with balloon therapy.

KNOXVILLE, TN - The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UT Medical Center) and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (Children’s) have entered into a collaboration involving the provision for nurse staffing for the UT Medical Center pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Beginning January 15, 2011, this unit, which provides Level I pediatric trauma care as well as advanced care for pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery and/or renal transplants will be staffed by intensive care nurses from Children’s. The collaboration assures that patients requiring intensive care, regardless of whether they are located at UT Medical Center or Children’s, will continue to receive the very best care possible.

Under this management agreement, the PICU at UT Medical Center will be staffed by Children’s Hospital employees. Physician staffing remains the same, as the hospitals have long allowed doctors to have privileges at both facilities. Allied health professionals, including audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, registered dietitians and care management associates, will remain employees of UT Medical Center.

The organizational shift for the nursing staff allows the flexibility for registered nurses and nursing assistants to move between Children’s and UT Medical Center, depending on the patient care needs at either/both institutions. The model is expected to result in more consistent nursing coverage and the ability to “flex” up and down as patient demands change.

This collaboration reflects a continuing commitment by both UT Medical Center and Children’s to work together to assure the continued advancement of the highest quality of care for the children of our region. Children’s, as the only comprehensive regional pediatric center in East Tennessee, serves as the safety net provider for pediatric care. As the region’s only Level I trauma center, UT Medical Center provides essential support for children suffering from trauma as well as serving as the home for both pediatric heart surgery and renal transplantation.

“As an intensive care unit physician who has provided care in both hospitals for 10 years, I see this nursing collaboration agreement providing the opportunity to enhance the care of critically ill or injured children in our region,” said Dr. Joe Childs. “Trauma needs are high at UT Medical Center during the warmer months, and critical illnesses increase during the fall and winter at Children’s. This system allows the experts in pediatric critical care nursing from both institutions to combine into one coordinated team, with the ability to flex to the area with the highest demands.”

The new agreement, which takes effect January 15, 2011, will not have an impact on neonatal intensive care, as both hospitals will continue to independently operate their Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Additionally through the agreement, the care for general pediatric cases currently at UT Medical Center will now be shifted to Children’s Hospital.

About The University of Tennessee Medical Center
The mission of The University of Tennessee Medical Center is to serve through healing, education and discovery. UT Medical Center, a 581-bed, not-for-profit academic medical center, serves as a referral center for Eastern Tennessee, Southeast Kentucky and Western North Carolina. The medical center, the region’s only Level I Trauma Center and state designated Regional Perinatal Center, is one of the largest employers in Knoxville. For more information about The University of Tennessee Medical Center, visit online at www.utmedicalcenter.org.

About East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
East Tennessee Children's Hospital's vision is Leading the Way to Healthy Children. Children's Hospital is a private, independent, not-for-profit pediatric medical center that has served the East Tennessee region for nearly 70 years and is certified by the state of Tennessee as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center.

KNOXVILLE, TN – December 9, 2010 – The Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra and Music Director Lucas Richman will present an All Beethoven concert at the next Chamber Classics concert on Sunday, January 9 at 2:30 PM at the Bijou Theatre. This performance is sponsored by E.M. Koester.

The concert will open with Beethoven’s Spring Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 24, No. 5 in F featuring KSO’s Acting Concertmaster Miroslav Hristov and Principal Keyboard Carol Zinavage. This performance marks the KSO Premiere of this work. Next, KSO Principal Cellist Andy Bryenton will join Ms. Zinavage for Beethoven’s Sonata No. 4 in C Major for Cello and Piano, Op. 102, No. 1, also a KSO Premiere. Continuing in the KSO’s ongoing goal to perform all nine Beethoven symphonies, the Chamber Orchestra will conclude the concert with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.

Tickets to the concert begin at $23.50 and may be purchased by logging on to the KSO website, www.knoxvillesymphony.com, or by calling the KSO Box Office at 865-291- 3310 or Tickets Unlimited, 865-656-4444.

Ticket holders are reminded that the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will provide a shuttle to take patrons from the State Street Garage to the Bijou Theatre before and after each Chamber Classics concert. The shuttle will pick up on State Street, in front of the garage beginning at 1:30 PM and make continuous loops between the garage and the theatre until 2:30 PM. The shuttle will begin taking patrons back to the garage immediately following the concert until about 5:15 PM, allowing patrons the opportunity to attend post-concert chats.

Parking in the State Street Garage is free of charge on evenings and weekends. The KSO has contributed to the cultural life in East Tennessee since 1935. Under the leadership of Lucas Richman, the orchestra consists of more than 80 professional musicians and performs more than 200 programs throughout East Tennessee each season. Performing in traditional venues such as the Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre and the Civic Auditorium, and in non-traditional places like hospitals, school classrooms, nursing homes, city parks and churches, the KSO reaches more than 200,000 people throughout the region each year.

For more information regarding the KSO, or this Chamber Classics concert, please call 865-291-3310.

SEVIER COUNTY, TN - The three branches of the Sevier County Public Library System expect a special guest to appear during preschool story time during the week of December 13-17, 2010. Santa Claus will appear at each of the three locations on the following days:
·         Monday, Dec. 13 – Seymour Branch Library, 137 W. Macon Lane, Seymour at 11:00 a.m. Contact person: Spence Perry at (865) 573-0728.
·         Wednesday, Dec. 15 – King Family Library, 408 High Street, Sevierville at 10:30 a.m. Contact person: Vickie Kelly at (865) 365-1428.
·         Friday, Dec. 17 – Kodak Branch Library, 319 West Dumplin Valley Road, Kodak at 11:00 a.m. Contact person: Kelly Hamilton at (865) 933—0078.

GALLATIN, Tenn. – The Walters State Lady Senators extended their winning streak to four games with a key Tennessee Community College Athletic Association road win at Volunteer State, 52-46, Friday night in Middle Tennessee.

The Lady Senators continued their stingy play on defense of late, allowing only five made field goals in the first half before holding off a late rally to win over the homestanding Lady Pioneers.

With the win, Walters State improves to 7-3 on the year and 5-1 in TCCAA conference action. The loss drops Vol State to 8-3 overall and 3-3 in league play.

The Lady Senators held a 25-16 lead at halftime after allowing the Lady Pioneers to shoot less than 20 percent (5 of 27) in the first half, and they survived 24 turnovers that kept the home team in it.

Walters State finished the game shooting 42.2 percent (19 of 45) from the field, while making only 1 of 9 from long range. The Lady Senators held a tremendous advantage on the boards, outrebounding Vol State 55-23 in the win.

Sophomore Ashley Thurman led Walters State with 17 points in the contest, while freshman Portia Durrett recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the win. Sophomore Jasmine Lewis, a transfer from Vol State, had a productive night with eight points, eight boards and four assists in the victory.

The Lady Pioneers shot only 27.3 percent (15 of 55) from the floor in the contest, including 6 of 27 from behind the 3-point arc. Uniquah Hampton led Vol State with 13 points in the loss.

The Lady Senators will return to action Saturday afternoon when they visit Motlow State for another TCCAA showdown. Tipoff in Lynchburg is set for 3 p.m.

GALLATIN, Tenn. – The Walters State Senators battled back and forth in a tightly contested game at Volunteer State Friday night before ending up on the wrong end of a 76-73 decision against their Tennessee Community College Athletic Association rivals in Gallatin.

The Senators led 40-39 at the half but could not overcome a cold shooting second half in falling to the Pioneers and dropping their second straight league game.

With the win, the homestanding Pioneers even their overall record at 6-6 while improving their TCCAA mark to 2-4 for the year. The loss drops Walters State to 6-5 on the year and 3-3 in league action.

Vol State shot 48.3 percent (28 of 58) from the field in the win, including 6 of 12 from long range, but they made only 14 of 27 attempts from the free throw line.

Tim Eriste led the Pioneers with 24 points and nine rebounds in the contest, while Lashane Purdy dropped in 13 points and Oscar Howell chipped in with 11 points in the victory.

The Senators finished the game shooting 39.1 percent (27 of 69) from the floor, which included making only 11 of 36 shot attempts in the second half. Walters State also connected on just 4 of 19 from long distance in the loss.

Freshman Lamar McKnight gunned in 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to record a double-double and lead the Senators on the night. Sophomore Tahj Wells chipped in 14 points and nine rebounds, while freshman Terry Roberts added 11 points and fellow freshman Jay Johnson tacked on nine in the defeat.

Walters State will return to action Saturday evening with a contest against TCCAA rival Motlow State, who is coached by Jerry Nichols, a former two-time All-American for the Senators. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

The Sevier County public Library System including the King Family, 408 High Street in Sevierville, the Seymour Branch Library at 137 W. Macon Avenue and the Kodak Branch Library at 319 West Dumplin Valley Road will have the following 2010 holiday schedule:
·         Friday, December 24 – Closed
·         Saturday, December 25 – Closed
·         Monday, December 27 – Closed
·         Saturday, January 1 – Closed  
All locations of the Sevier County Public Library System will be open regular hours on Tuesday, December 28 and Monday, January 3. For further information, please call 453-3532.

GATLINBURG, TN - Recently named one of the top ski destinations in the United States by AOL, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park is officially open for winter sports, offering skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing adventure in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

Ober Gatlinburg features nine trails serviced by two quad lifts, one double lift and one surface lift.  The Resort offers terrain for people of all skiing abilities and skill levels, from a beginner experiencing the joy of snow sports for the first time, to the novice recreational skier, to a seasoned expert hitting the moguls and terrain park.  Ober Gatlinburg also sports a popular snow tubing park providing fun for the entire family, skiing and snowboarding equipment rental, an ice skating rink, aerial tramway, alpine slide, restaurants, shops and much more.
As soon as temperatures drop, Ober Gatlinburg cranks up its state-of-the-art snowmaking system and is capable of making a foot of snow in a 24-hour period when the temperature and weather conditions are optimal.  The ski resort maintained a 50-inch base through much of last season and remained in operation well over 100 days, with the snow tubing lanes open through the early part of April.
As one of the few ski resorts in the Southeast, Ober Gatlinburg is just a short drive away from most major Southeastern cities. More information about activities offered at Ober Gatlinburg as well as weather and ski reports can be found at www.obergatlinburg.com. 
ABOUT GATLINBURG
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a quaint, mountain getaway nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.  It offers a variety of travel experiences ranging from family activities to romantic getaways or outdoor adventures.  Gatlinburg also has more than 12,000 rooms for lodging and 400 shops as well as many attractions including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Nantahala Outdoor Center and many others.

SEVIERVILLE, TN - You've seen the commercials for selling old gold and silver jewelry for cash? Bet you didn't know there may be some gold in your car's parts, specifically, the catalytic converter.  Over the past two weeks, the City of Sevierville Police Department (SPD) has received four reports of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles.
 
In 2008, Sevierville experienced a rash of catalytic converter thefts, as did many cities nationally. When stolen. the catalytic converters are typically unbolted or sawed-off; SUV’s and pick-up trucks are the most frequent targets because thieves can more easily get underneath these vehicles to access the catalytic converter.
 
Thieves often sell the catalytic converters to junk dealers as scrap metal, but many also remove the precious metals used inside the catalytic converters. The metals, such as platinum and gold, are very valuable.
 
Prevention of catalytic converter theft is difficult because the converters can be removed with few tools in a matter of minutes. Vehicle owners are encouraged to park in well traveled and populated areas, even during the daylight hours, and park inside a garage at home.
 
Anyone with information on these incidents is requested to contact the SPD @ 865-453-5506.
 

SEVIERVILLE - Dr. Robert F. Thomas came to Sevier County in 1926 to serve in the dual role of minister and family physician. He quickly earned the respect of the people whose bodies and souls he tended. Traveling the rugged terrain by foot, jeep, and horseback, "the Doc" made as many as 1,000 house calls each year.  Solid as the mountains around him, Dr. Thomas loved the rich heritage of the Smokies and admired the integrity and pride of its people. He worked long hours to improve the inadequate medical services and health facilities he encountered upon his arrival in Sevier County.

Dr. Thomas established clinics, immunized hundreds of adults and children, set broken bones, and delivered countless babies. His patients received the medical care they needed without having to travel long distances away from their homes and their loved ones.

Named in his honor, the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization established in 1983 to help expand the range and quality of health care services available in Sevier County. The Foundation is governed by an 18-member, volunteer board of directors that serves without compensation. Dolly Parton, one of the many babies Dr. Thomas delivered, serves as honorary chairperson. The Foundation depends on donations and grants from individuals, businesses, and charitable foundations to achieve its goal of helping Sevier County meet the continuing challenges of the rapidly changing healthcare field.

The objectives of the Thomas Foundation are to:

• provide substantial financial support to LeConte Medical Center for equipment, new construction, patient care, and community service programs
• provide grants or program assistance to other non-profit health care organizations operating in Sevier County
• provide support for health education and prevention programs in response to community needs
• promote awareness and use of local health care facilities, services, and programs
• promote lifestyles which encourage physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health

The Foundation performs many key functions necessary to its continued success:

• soliciting monetary and in-kind contributions from individuals, corporations, and other foundations
• managing the investment of charitable donations
• acknowledging and cultivating donors
• organizing special events to support various funds and programs
• applying for grants from other foundations and/or corporations
• approving requests and distributing funds for LeConte Medical Center programs and departments
• educating the community about the Foundation and LeConte Medical Center facilities and programs

For more information about the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, please call 865/446-9625.

Dr. Robert F. Thomas came to Sevier County in 1926 to serve in the dual role of minister and family physician. He quickly earned the respect of the people whose bodies and souls he tended. Traveling the rugged terrain by foot, jeep, and horseback, "the Doc" made as many as 1,000 house calls each year.

Solid as the mountains around him, Dr. Thomas loved the rich heritage of the Smokies and admired the integrity and pride of its people. He worked long hours to improve the inadequate medical services and health facilities he encountered upon his arrival in Sevier County.

Dr. Thomas established clinics, immunized hundreds of adults and children, set broken bones, and delivered countless babies. His patients received the medical care they needed without having to travel long distances away from their homes and their loved ones.

Named in his honor, the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization established in 1983 to help expand the range and quality of health care services available in Sevier County. The Foundation is governed by an 18-member, volunteer board of directors that serves without compensation. Dolly Parton, one of the many babies Dr. Thomas delivered, serves as honorary chairperson. The Foundation depends on donations and grants from individuals, businesses, and charitable foundations to achieve its goal of helping Sevier County meet the continuing challenges of the rapidly changing healthcare field.

The objectives of the Thomas Foundation are to:

• provide substantial financial support to LeConte Medical Center for equipment, new construction, patient care, and community service programs
• provide grants or program assistance to other non-profit health care organizations operating in Sevier County
• provide support for health education and prevention programs in response to community needs
• promote awareness and use of local health care facilities, services, and programs
• promote lifestyles which encourage physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health

The Foundation performs many key functions necessary to its continued success:

• soliciting monetary and in-kind contributions from individuals, corporations, and other foundations
• managing the investment of charitable donations
• acknowledging and cultivating donors
• organizing special events to support various funds and programs
• applying for grants from other foundations and/or corporations
• approving requests and distributing funds for LeConte Medical Center programs and departments
• educating the community about the Foundation and LeConte Medical Center facilities and programs

For more information about the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, please call 865/446-9625.

SEVIERVILLE - Sevierville Police Department (SPD) officers arrested four individuals on numerous theft related charges after a local store employee alerted authorities of an alleged shoplifting.

According to SPD Officer Stephanie Quigley, at approximately 4:26PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010 an employee of the Coach store in Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall reported that an alleged shoplifter had left the store. The employee provided a vehicle description including a tag number. Responding SPD officers were not immediately able to locate the vehicle, however a bulletin to area law enforcement agencies resulted in the vehicle being located and stopped by the Pigeon Forge Police Department.
 
SPD Officers subsequently arrested the four individuals in the vehicle on numerous theft related charges. Issac N. Becton, 47-years old of Myrtle Beach, SC; Regina John, 50, Macon, GA; Belinda Oliver, 49, Conway, SC; and Laquisha S. Frazier, 21, Beaufort, NC were each charged with theft, theft over $13,000.00, possession of shoplifting tools, and conspiracy. In addition, Benton, John and Oliver were each charged with criminal impersonation.
 
Authorities allege that the suspects were in possession of over $7,000.00 worth of merchandise from Coach, and an additional amount of merchandise valued at over $13,000.00 from other area stores.
 
The four suspects were transported to the Sevier County Jail for booking on December 5, 2010. Anyone with information regarding this incident or other alleged shoplifting incidents is requested to contact the SPD @ 865-453-5506.
 
SPD Chief Don Myers noted that the arrests “were the result of attentive store employees and local law enforcement agencies working together.” Without this type of cooperation, Myers said, shoplifting arrests and convictions are often difficult to obtain.
 
The SPD offers seminars to area business owners and employees on shoplifting prevention.  If your business is interested in a shoplifting prevention seminar and/or information, please contact SPD Sgt. Rebecca Cowan @ 865-868-1866.