David Wear was elected mayor of Pigeon Forge by a unanimous vote of the city commission Monday night. Wear, who was recently elected to the city commission,  replaces Mayor Keith Whaley.

  After being sworn in, Wear praised Whaley for his service and dedication to the city. Vice-Mayor Kevin McClure was re-elected to another term and Howard Reagan was sworn in as city commissioner.

  The Community Center will get a rock climbing wall at no cost to the city. The commission approved the purchase of a wall from the Everlast Corporation. The wall will provide recreational activities to patrons of the community center. The purchase was made possible by a grant from East Tennessee State University who gave the city $8,800 for the purchase. The actual cost of the wall is $6,648.

    The commission approved the replacement of a filter valve actuator from the water department after another unit failed. The cost of the unit is $3,659.

  The city's aging phone system is about to undergo major improvements. The commission approved a measure to allocate $35,000 to improve the system after numerous complaints from tourists and city employees who complained of busy signals and other technical problems with the system. 

The City of Sevierville announces the temporary closure of several downtown streets on Sunday, May 29, between approximately 8 AM-11:30AM. The closures are necessary to facilitate the Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Motorcycle Ride. More than 1,000 bikers are expected to partcipate in the event rain or shine.
 
The following streets will be closed to traffic:
Court Avenue, from Commerce Avenue to Joy Street
Bruce Street, from the Court House to the Parkway
Bruce Street, from the Parkway to Gary Wade Blvd. during motorcycle staging near the end of the event.
 
Please contact the Sevierville Police Department @ 865-453-5506 for additional information regarding these street closures.

   The City of Sevierville announces the temporary closure of a section of Court Avenue from Commerce Avenue to Bruce Street on Monday, May 30,between 10 AM-1:30PM for a Memorial Day celebration.
 
 

  The Sevierville Police Department (SPD) has scheduled a Kids Police Camp, from Monday, June 6, through Friday, June 10,  Camp will take place daily from 8 AM - 4 PM.
    The purpose of Police Camp is to provide the opportunity for young men and women, 11-14 years of age, to learn basic police skills in a SAFE, organized and structured environment.  Activities and classes will be conducted primarily at the Sevierville Police Department, with field trips planned to the Gatlinburg Sportsman’s Club.
    The camp director and staff are comprised of professional police officers that are trained and experienced law enforcement instructors.  All Police Camp activities will be supervised and controlled by the camp staff.  Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit the camp in progress at their convenience.  
   Planned activities include self-defense, safety with firearms, police radio procedures, fingerprinting and many other duties performed by police officers.  Campers will also take part in practical exercises simulating situations such as searching buildings and stopping vehicles.  
   Registration packets for the program are currently available at the Sevierville Police Department located at 300 Gary R. Wade Blvd. Registration fee is $75.  Applicants are required to complete both sides of the Police Camp registration form and return it with a $25 non-refundable deposit check made payable to the Sevierville Police Department.  Enrollment is limited to the first 25 applicants on a first come, first served basis. If an applicant is not accepted, the full deposit will be returned and a documented explanation.
   The application deadline is June 3, For additional information, please contact Officer Preston Parrish at pparrish@seviervilletn.org or 865-868-1845.
 
 

   A property management company responsible for nearly 100 Gatlinburg cabins has shut down leaving customers without reservations and without their cash deposits.

Hickory Mist Luxury Cabin Rentals,LLC, shuttered its doors Wednesday following complaints filed in Sevier County Court by Hickory Mist President, James Devane, against another owner, operating manager, J. Patrick Landers.

   Devane claimed Landers would not let him see the company's records, tax returns, and alleged that Landers had used company money to enrich his family's life. Devane further stated the business has not been licensed.

  According to reports, Devane claimed as much as $800,000 is missing from company accounts.

  Bill Becker, marketing coordinator for the company has been taking calls from angry customers since Wednesday. Becker's employment with the company ended Friday.

"All I could was give them information and numbers and take down their numbers and hopefully pass on their information to someone who could hopefully help them. There's some money missing and it's very serious. Somebody may end up doing jail time."  

 According to published reports, the company's license expired with the Tennessee  Real Estate Commission in 2008.

The Sevier County Circuit Court is advising customers to file a complaint with the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.

  The company is trying to find another management company to honor their reservations.

  According to reports, Devane, has filed a suit seeking $1.2 million from Landers.

  The Sevier County Sheriff's Office is seeking help identifying two white males who reportedly burglarized the Gist Creek Baptist Church on April 15, 2011.

 The two men entered the church and took a TV/DVD combo and left in a white Ford F-150 pickup truck. The truck had a black grill and black wheels. A video surveillance camera caught the two men while they were on the premises.

 Anyone with information about the pair is asked to contact Detective Maria Cutshaw at the Sevier County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 865-428-1899 or 865-774-3931.   

Police Blotter

Susan Mae Hammond, 50, of Pigeon Forge was arrested Friday for aggravated assault and aggravated burglary.

Cynthia Evelyn Loveday, 27, of Sevierville, was arrested Friday for driving with a revoked license and violating the financial responsibility act.

Robert Charles Peterson, 28, of Gatlinburg, was arrested Friday for theft of property of $500-$1,000.

Asia R. Rizzo, 23, of Sevierville, is facing charges of theft and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Brandy Yvonne Smith, 32, of seymour is facing charges of forgery.

Dumb crook news.

Newark, New Jersey: Two men stole a container labeled "Beefeaters" thinking it was filled with premium gin that would be easy to resell. Instead of gin, the container contained... 800 cases of toy dog bones. The men apparently didn't know that the gin's name does not have a final "s", but the pet company's products do. Police say dog bones are much harder to resell than liquor.
 

The streets of Sevierville came to life Friday and Saturday as thousands of fans of bluegrass converged in the downtown area for the 7th annual Bloomin' Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival.

  Numerous bluegrass bands performed including Blue Moon Rising, Jimbo Whaley and Greenbriar, IIIrd Time Out, Mountain Ruckus, Larry Sparks and The Lonesome Ramblers, Junior Sisk and Rambler's Choice, Balsam Range and Sam Bush.

  Patrons marveled at the acrobatic wizardy of the Cirque De Chine Chinese acrobats and the skills of competitive lumberjacks from the Lumberjack Fued followed by clogging by the Pigeon Forge Extreme Cloggers.

 A plethora of booths selling succulent ribs, brats, and pulled pork satisfied the appetites of the attendees.

  A kids zone featuring a rock climbing wall, bounce houses and a bungee swing kept children entertained as their parents enjoyed the high lonesome musical stylings of area bands.

    Thousands converged in the downtown area for the seventh annual Bloomin' Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival Friday and Saturday.

  Children play by the statue of Sevier County's own Dolly Parton.

  Hungry patrons line up to for some award-winning barbecue.

Cast members from Lumberjack Fued demonstrated the new show coming in August.

 Despite the smell of barbecue pork that lingered in the air, this bluegrass fan was hog wild for the many bands and acts at the Bloomin' Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival.

  Mountain Ruckus was one of several bluegrass bands to perform.

   Walters State Community College hopes to add new adjunct faculty members to better serve growing enrollment at the 2011 Adjunct Faculty Recruitment Fair. The fair will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, in the Duggins Foundation Room, located in the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center on the Morristown campus.

   "We’re looking for adjunct faculty members for both day and evening class throughout our service area," said Linda Roberts, dean of distance education and assistant vice president for academic affairs at Walters State.

   "Many people who have master’s degrees are employed and are successful in fields outside the academic world. Some may be stay-at-home moms. It never occurs to them that they could teach, too. We think many in the area would find it rewarding," she added.

Walters State student Dominique Salaciak looks at a slideshow with Shane Goad, adjunct faculty member in psychology. Goad was helping his student understand behavioral problems. Walters State will be recruiting more adjunct faculty members like Goad during its adjunct faculty fair June 7.

   Adjunct faculty members teach online, evening and day classes on all four of Walters State’s campuses: Claiborne County, Greeneville/Greene County, Morristown and Sevier County. Adjunct faculty may also teach online hybrid or traditional classroom courses. Some adjunct faculty members teach only one class, while others teach several.

   Most courses do require a master’s degree to teach. The college also requires 18 graduate hours in the subject taught. Some technical courses only require a bachelor’s degree.

   Programs offered by Walters State continue to expand and faculty members are needed for programs like College Express. These accelerated programs cover a semester’s work in only five weeks. The programs allow working adults to complete a degree in two years attending classes only one night a week, Roberts explained. Faculty members are also needed to teach dual enrollment courses offered in area high schools.

  Roberts encourages those attending the fair to bring resumes and transcripts. Potential instructors may also complete an application at the fair or download one from the college’s website (http://www.ws.edu/Employment/default.asp) before the fair. Division deans, department heads and college administrators will be at the fair to review qualifications and meet with prospective teachers.

  For more information, contact the Office of Distance Education at (423) 585-6996 or e-mail Roberts at Linda.Roberts@ws.edu.

  The Tennessee State Legislature has passed a bill that will provide for more transparency and stricter regulation on the state's utility districts. The bill now goes to Governor Bill Haslam who will likely sign the legislation into law.

  The bill, sponsored by State Senator Ken Yager, R-Harriman and Rep. Ryan Haynes, R-Knoxville, provides for enhanced regulations on utility districts, specifically, expedenditures.

  The bill stipulates that "all expenditures of money made by utility districts must be made for a lawful district purpose."

 The bill, drafted by State of Tennessee Comptroller Justin Wilson, is the result of a series of audits conducted by the state comptrollers office in which numerous cases of misspending and malfeasance were discovered by auditors.

  Several utility districts were discovered to have misspent funds. Among those was the Sevier County Utility District which had been found to have misspent funds in two audits.

  Among the questionable transactions were; A gas grill pit installed at the district president's  home at company expense and the installation of a gas grill pit in exchange for Tennessee Titan tickets.

  A transaction involving a former district vice-president who reportedly used his position to receive a personal benefit of $10,055 raised questions as well. According to the auditor's report, the former VP negotiated the trade of a district 2007 Chevrolet Silverado to a local car dealership. The NADA trade in value was stated at $32,175. the district receved an allowance of $17,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle. He then purchased the vehicle from the dealership for $17,000. Days later, he traded the vehicle and received a trade-in allowance of $27,055.

   Auditors discovered district funds were used for guided bus tours and spousal travel.

  The comptroller questioned charitable donations made with district funds such as a $25,000 donation to the Robert  F. Thomas Foundation and $5,000 to the Educational Foundation of the Sevier County School System.

  The district paid $750 at a silent auction for eight Tennessee Titan tickets. The district management told auditors the tickets were given to district employees but could not identify the employees that received the tickets.

  Auditors found that district commissioners had received excessive compensation after they were presented with $500 gift cards at Christmas. Other gifts included $1,699 spent on steaks for board members.

 Auditors questioned uniform allowances which provided $2,500 annually for commissioner's clothing.

  In other findings, auditors reported inadequate petty cash records were kept and purchases were made using district money for other than district purposes. The auditor cited a subscription to XM satellite radio.

  SCUD President Matt Ballard initially responded by telling auditors he was unaware  this charge had been paid by the district. However, auditors obtained a statement from XM Satellite Radio dated 12-31-07 that Ballard had initialed signifying his approval.

  Travel expenditures were scrutinized after auditors discovered that SCUD was among five utility districts that sent officers on a junket to Costa Rica.

  Auditors produced dinner receipts from a steakhouse in Knoxville in which the district was charged $243.48 for dinner for four.

  Another itemized receipt for a bar tab in Boston, Mass. for $95.50  and a receipt for the entry fee in a golf tournament for $400 for board of commissioners members raised questions from auditors.

  In response to the findings of the audits, Ballard said "All findings and recommendations by the state have been rectified and reimbursed and policies have been put into place regarding these issues. This does not imply any misuse on our part. " 

  The new law will change how board members are selected in at least 41 of the 185 utility districts in Tennessee. County mayors will have some input into the appointment process for the first time.  

  Following approval by the general assembly, Wilson commented "I have often said sunlight is the best disinfectant. This legislation will bring more information about utility districts into the sunlight." 

  According to published reports, the utility review board is considering the removal of commissioners from several boards including SCUD.  During the February 3, meeting of the Utility Management Review Board procedures for removing members of utility district commissioners were discussed. According to the minutes of the meeting, commissioners can be ousted by three methods.

  The first would require a petition signed by 20 percent of the district's customers. The second method would be a determination by the UMRB that a commissioner has knowingly or willfully committed misconduct. The UMRB can remove a commissioner for failing to comply with an order of the UMRB. 

 Ballard disputed the report saying no members of SCUD's board of commissoners has been targetted to be ousted.

 Update: The UMRB will meet again on June 2 to vote on ousting members of the SCUD board of directors and the members of several other utility district boards in the state according to Blake Fontenay, communications director for the state comptroller's office. 

  The Sevier County Utility District board of commissioners consists of three members. The board consists of Jerry Hays of Gatlinburg, who was re-elected to the Gatlinburg City Commission Tuesday, David Ogle of Gatlinburg and George Seaton  of Sevierville.    

 Seviercountynews.com will post updates as the story unfolds.  

Walters State Community College honored two individuals with Distinguished Alumni Awards during the Walters State Foundation meeting Monday night at the Sevier County Campus.

Dr. Chris Baker of Morristown and Vicki Elsbernd of Reston, Va., received the highest honor bestowed by the college on former students. Baker is a professor of sociology at Walters State. Elsbernd is deputy director of the heliophysics division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA.

 Walters State Community College honored two alumni with the Walters State Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed on former students. From left are Dr. Wade McCamey, president of Walters State; Victoria Elsbernd, a member of the class of 1974 now serving as deputy director of the heliophysics division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA; Chris Baker, a member of the class of 1985 and a professor of sociology at Walters State; and Wanda Harrell, coordinator for alumni affairs and special events at the college.

 "The Walters State Foundation plays an integral role in the success of our students. It is most appropriate that we announce the Walters State 2011 Distinguished Alumni recipients during this meeting. For nothing better represents or is more symbolic of this foundation’s mission and purpose than the accomplishments of our graduates," said Dr. Wade McCamey in presenting the awards.

"The two recipients are extremely impressive individuals. Each has had a significant impact in their respective professions and communities."

Baker graduated from Walters State in 1985 with an associate’s degree in general studies. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University and both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. He is a scholar, educator, author and community activist. He is one of the nation’s leading experts on economic and social development in Appalachia.

"His research and writing have resulted in prison reform efforts, pushed service learning as an effective teaching tool and created greater awareness of numerous social issues affecting our region," McCamey said.

McCamey said Baker has also become a somewhat reluctant expert on moonshine.

"His knowledge and his storytelling capabilities have led to many national and regional presentations about the legends and lore of outlawed liquor. It has also led him to be interviewed by national publications like ‘The New York Times’ and even an appearance on the CBS ‘Sunday Morning’ television show," McCamey added.

Baker’s first textbook, "Social Problems: A Service Learning Approach" was published in 2010. A second book will be published this fall. He began his teaching career at the West Virginia Institute for Technology.

"When the opportunity opened to teach at his alma mater, he did not hesitate to apply," McCamey said.

Baker is also involved in many community activities and has received numerous awards.

Victoria Elsbernd earned an associate of science in pre-engineering in 1974. She is deputy director of the heliophysics division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA. Working out of NASA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., she is responsible for the management of missions to understand the sun and its effects on Earth and our solar system. She manages an operating fleet of 26 spacecraft and six separate science missions currently under development.

Three of the findings of Elsbernd’s division were named to "Discover" magazine’s Top 100 stories of 2010: "SDO: Portrait of a Violent Star;" IBEX: First Peek at the Solar Systems’ Outer Edge;" and "Plasma Rivers Explain the Quiet Sun."

"Faculty members recognized her intelligence, curiosity and dedication early," McCamey said.

"As impressive as Ms. Elsbernd’s professional leadership and space exploration is, perhaps the assignment by (Professor Emeritus) Dr. James Ford to design the observatory will remain as one of her most influential accomplishments. Now known as the Dr. James Ford Observatory, it has been operational at Walters State for over 35 years with little change from its original design," McCamey said.

Elsbernd has worked for NASA since 1990. Her career highlights include leading the U.S. delegation in one of the first collaborative efforts with Russia following the cold war. This mission established a long-term relationship both professionally and personally with her Russian counterparts. The science resulting from that mission has helped the global scientific community’s understanding of climate and climate change.

Elsbernd has received many awards during her career, including the Goddard Space Center Outstanding Leadership award. Elsbernd also holds a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Technological University and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee.

She also donates her time and resources to many community ventures, including the Giving Circle of Hope.

The selection criteria for the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award includes noteworthy contributions to one’s profession; professional awards or recognition; contributions to the vision and values of Walters State Community College; and an enduring commitment for the betterment of mankind through volunteerism or professional service. The final selection was made by the WSCC Alumni Recognition Committee, which included alumni, a current student, faculty and staff, Walters State retirees and community members.

Walters State plans to take nominations from the community annually for the Distinguished Alumni Award. Nominations are accepted from June through February. For more information, contact Wanda Harrell, coordinator of alumni affairs and special events, at (423) 585-6976.

Walters State’s summer semester kicks into high gear on June 2, when a ten-week and the first of two five-week sessions begin. The variety of accelerated classes offered during these sessions makes it possible for students to complete a year of biology in ten weeks or take an English or social sciences course in just five weeks.

These courses are a great opportunity for students looking to get a head start on the next year. Other students view it as a chance to catch up after a change in major late in their academic career or if they’ve had to sit out a semester or two for any reason. Summer semester can help students stay on-track to complete an associate’s degree, and eventually a bachelor’s degree, on time.

Walters State Community College student Sierra Nelson, left, goes over summer registration information with Kim Gunnin, executive director of enrollment development and retention services, and Carrie Webb, retention clerk.

And the classes aren’t just popular with full-time Walters State students, according to Kim Gunnin, executive director of enrollment development and retention services at the college. Students home for the summer from four-year colleges often take advantage of the low tuition and convenient scheduling.

"We enroll many students who are attending four-year institutions and home for the summer. A student can get a year of chemistry out of the way in just 10 weeks. Perhaps a student just wants to get one or two electives out of the way. These students enroll as transient students and the courses transfer back to their home college," Gunnin said.

Gunnin does encourage students to register as soon as possible. While many courses are offered during these sessions, the number of students that may enroll in each class is limited. The first registration period ends May 25, with tuition and fees due at 4 p.m. on May 25. Tuition and fees are due at 4 p.m. June 1 for students who register May 26-June 1. Late registration runs June 2-3 and carries a late registration charge.

The second five-week session begins July 6, with the first registration period ending June 29, with tuition and fees due at 4 p.m. that day. A second registration period for that session runs July 1-5, with tuition and fees due at 5 p.m. on July 5. Late registration for this session runs July 6-7.

Students must first apply for admission, which can be done online. For more information, visit www.ws.edu and click on "admissions" or visit any Walters State Community College campus. Students may also call 1 (800) 225-4770, ext. 4 for more information.

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Authentically Local Campaign Reclaims the Word “Local”

A group of 30 independently-owned hyperlocal news sites have joined forces to launch an “Authentically Local” branding campaign to emphasize the importance of supporting homegrown media, stores and places.

“Local” has recently emerged as one of the most potential lucrative corners of the economy, and corporations are rushing to it like speculators to a gold rush. Economists estimate the local advertising market is about $100 billion a year, and numerous organizations are making a play, including Groupon, Living Social, Google, Facebook, Apple and AOL.

 “The Authentically Local campaign seeks to illuminate the difference between authentic local businesses and those that are just cashing in — before every town in America becomes one giant strip mall,” said Debbie Galant, founder of Baristanet, who plans to announce the campaign at the GeoWorld Summit in New York City. “This is not just about us, the owned-and-operated sites that write about place. It’s about place.”

“Local journalism doesn’t scale and it doesn’t need to scale. It needs to emerge from people deeply engaged in their local community, determined to make a difference and provide a vital service,” said Lance Knobel, a co-founder of Berkeleyside.com.

The branding campaign will be extended to bricks-and-mortar business, and will include a mission statement, buttons, and multi-author blog at AuthenticallyLocal.com.

“We’re in this with our advertisers,” said Timothy Rutt, the editor and publisher of Altadenablog in Southern California. “Because we’re local, we spend our advertisers’ dollars in the community. We don’t ship it out of town to a big corporation.”

A list of founding sites, which collectively reach about 800,000 readers a month, can be found on the website.

Our own SevierCountyNews.com is proud to be one of the founding members of  the Authentically Local campaign. We are locally owned and operated and support our advertisers who are all locally owned businesses.  Please vist AuthenticallyLocal.com.

  The Pigeon Forge Hospitality Association, a co-op dedicated to maintaining and  building the tourism industry in Sevier County, unveiled a new Web site Thursday at the organization's monthly meeting at Wonderworks.

  Ken Maples introduced the keynote speaker  Lori Moore, who introduced the web Site with a power point presentation and the help of actor Jack Nicholson.

  Moore played a scene from Nicholson's movie "Mars Attacks"  in which the actor plays the President of the United States attempting to forge an alliance with the conquering aliens.

  After Nicholson's emotional plea to "work together" the three teary-eyed aliens extended their hand in friendship.

  While the audience got a good laugh from the video, it was intended to represent  members of the PFHA and their need to work together to continue to build the tourism industry and attract more visitors.

  One tool that will enable the group to reach out to travelers is the web Site comeexperinecethesmokies.com which was recently launched.

  Ken Maples of the Pigeon Forge Hospitality Association makes opening comments at the monthly meeting held at the Wonderworks.

  The web Site includes information about lodging, activities, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and much more. 

   The Site contans information about where to stay, play, shop and explore. In addition it includes maps directing visitors to the area as well as videos, visitor guides and enewsletter sign-ups. 

  Area businesses are encouraged to join the PFHA. For more information call Ken Maples at 865-548-3615.

Tennessee has marked the 13th consecutive month of growth in sales taxes collections. 

 While sales tax revenues are rebounding, Finance Commissioner Mark Emkes said that corporate franchise and excise taxes have been lagging over the last two months, missing projections by $31.5 million in April alone. Emkes said the poor showing may reflect losses in the previous year that have been carried forward.

Sales taxes, by contrast, beat estimates by nearly $23 million in April and posted a growth rate of 3.5% compared with the same month last year. Sales tax reveunues account for two out of every three tax dollars collected by the state. 

The state's general fund missed projections by $7 million in the month, but has come in $126 million over estimates since the beginning on the budget year which began on July 1.

  Sergio Cruz Lopez, 25, of Sevierville, was arrested May 11, for driving without a license, violating the financial responsibility law and leaving the scene of an accident.

 Richard Earnest Huebner, 52, of Sevierville, is facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and and reckless endangerment.

  Thomas Gary Kimble, Jr. 51, of Sevierville, was arrested May 12, as a fugitive from justice.

  Kay Diane Rains, 49, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, was arrested May 11, on charges of aggravated domestic assault.     

  James Danny Richey, Jr. 28, of Sevierville, was arrested May 11, on charges of domestic violence. 

   Brandi Leigh Williams, 30, of Sevierville, was arrested May 11, on charges of possession of Schedule II narcotics.

 A well financed campaign to win approval for the liquor by the drink referendum failed in its objective when Pigeon Forge voters turned out in above-average numbers to vote down the resolution.

    The final tally was 590 against the resolution and 432 in favor. A comparison of Tuesday's vote to  the voting two years ago suggests that the additional campaigning served to hinder the referendum as it appears the campaign only brought out an increased number of opponents to the measure. Two years ago the same resolution was voted down by a vote of 539 against and 432 in favor.

  Supporters favored selling liquor by the drink citing increased tax revenue for the city and the prospects of attracting more restaurants to the town thus creating more jobs.

  Businesswoman Pam Ogle supported the measure in hopes it would bring in restaurant chains and revive the development of Belle Island Village.

  The campaign against the measure was spearheaded by Pastor Ronnie Reagan who campaigned citing old-line conservative values and the scripture which warns against the dangers of drink.

   Two seats on the city commission were up for grabs with five candidates vying for the vacant positions.

  David Wear won one of those seats with 612 votes. His closest contender was Howard Reagan Sr. who narrowly defeated Dwight Maples who received 410 votes. Bill Howell received 382 votes and Tony Lee Rast garnered 154 votes.

  Wear and Reagan will take seats on the city commission at the next meeting.

  Voter turn out was heavier than two years ago with more than 1,100 registered voters, more than one third of the registered voters in the city, casting ballots.      

   It's time to celebrate the fresh produce of summer.  The Sevier County Master
Gardeners, UT Extension, and the Rel Maples Institute for Culinary Arts are
partnering to offer a series entitled “Garden to Table."  The class series
will offer basic instructions on Gardening, Preparing and Preserving
Vegetables. The three classes will be offered June 7, 14, and 21, from 6 p.m.
– 9 p.m.

  June 7  Vegetable Gardening- Learn the basics of growing herbs and
vegetables in East Tennessee from some of the area’s most passionate
gardeners- the Master Gardeners of Sevier County. Discussion will include
soil preparation, planting and garden maintenance. Students will actively
participate in planting and will truly get a feel for what a green thumb is!
Square foot gardening and composting will also be discussed. Learn what the
benefits of home gardening can be for you and your family.

  June 14 – Cooking of Vegetables - Participants will venture into the
kitchens of the Rel Maples Institute of Culinary Arts at Walters State and
cook alongside  some of the areas brightest young chefs.  Discussion will
include the importance of considering all of the quality characteristics of
the food we consume, as well as the need to maintain a more balanced diet.
Take advantage of all of the wonderfully fresh products that are in your
garden. Basic preparations will be executed in the kitchen to allow even the
novice cook to acquire some new perspective!

 June 21 – Preserving Vegetables - Learn research based techniques of
safely home preserving vegetables.  Drying, freezing, and home canning will
be demonstrated.  Each participant will get “hands-on," experience
actually pressure canning a pint of green beans to take home.  Questions
of sugar, salt and food safety in food preservation will be addressed during
this session.  Through proper methods, you can enjoy produce “from Garden to
Table” all year long.

     The total cost of the Garden to Table Series is $30. with
participants expected to attend each session. The sessions will be held at
the Rel Maples Culinary School on the Walters State Campus in Sevierville.

     Space is limited; therefore registration is needed by May 23.  To
register, please send the $30 check/payment to UT Extension, 752 Old
Knoxville Highway, Sevierville, Tn 37862, (Attn:  Linda Hyder).  Please
include your name and phone number.  Registration of names will be accepted
on first come, first serve basis.  For questions you may contact Linda
Hyder, UT Extension at 453-3695 or lhyder@utk.edu .

     

A structure fire has been reported at 3306 Nunns Cove Road off of Sharp Rd. in the New Center area at 1:40 pm this afternoon. Both New Center Volunteer Fire Department and Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department have responded.

UPDATES TO FOLLOW:

View Larger Map
Approximate location of reported fire.

   Sevierville Police Department  detectives are searching for a man suspected of breaking into soda vending machines and stealing two security video cameras. The incidents allegedly occurred at two Sevierville hotels on April 14.
 
   According to SPD Detective Ray Brown, the white male suspect apparently broke into soda vending machines and took the money inside, and stole facility security video cameras from the Clarion Inn, 1990 Winfield Dunn Parkway (Highway 66) and the Hampton Inn and Suites, 105 Stadium Drive during the evening of April 14,  The amount of money taken from the soda machines is not known at this time.
 

   Anyone with information regarding these incidents and/or the identity of the suspect is requested to contact Detective Brown at 865-453-5506. Citizens are cautioned not to approach or engage suspects, but instead to contact the SPD or your local law enforcement agency; in emergency situations, call 911.

The Sevier County High School Smoky Bears Baseball Club won the First IMAC Tournament game 6-4 over Morristown East last night at Jefferson County High. The win sets a new historical school record as the Bears become the first team in history to have 3 seasons with 20 game wins.

The Bears were led by the pitching of all District Player Marcus Watson for 4 and a half inning and was spared by Drew Correll. Sophomore Dillion Cate came to the mound in the top of the 7th and closed out the game.

The Smokers were led at the plate by Senior and All District Charlie Gavaghan who went 3 for 4 with a big double and 3 RBI's. Kyle Pope also added an RBI in the win.

The Bears will play Jefferson County at 2:30 pm today at Jeff County High in the winners bracket. The tournament is double elimination so the Bears will also play on Monday. The time will be announced after today's game.

All District Pitcher Marcus Watson works against Morristown East in District Tournament.

All District Charlie Gavaghan blast one of his three RBI's.

Coach Lance Traywick and and his 3 base runners watch a new pitcher warm up.

Kyle Pope re-hydrates after an RBI late in the game.

Coach Conner collects the game balls and the Smoky Bears celebrate their win.