Early this morning. Over looking a fresh plowed field toward LeConte.

Josh Harris of Sevierville receives his keys for the new Chevy truck he won from Smoky Mountain Celebration. Marvin Maples of Volunteer Chevorlet does the honors.

Marvin Maples of Volunteer Chevorlet of Sevierville was extra happy about Smoky Mountain Celebration as he was a winner of $1,000.00.

     Officers with the Sevierville Police Department have set up a memorial fund for the family of 20-month-old Lincoln David Akers who died tragically Thursday morning, Sept. 20. Lincoln’s father, Adam Akers is an Officer and SWAT Operator with the Department.

    Lincoln was killed in his family home when a dresser fell over on the child. According to reports, Lincoln was climbing on the dresser causing it to tip over and fall on him trapping him underneath. The child’s father attempted to resuscitate the injured child to no avail. Lincoln was rushed to LeConte Medical Center by ambulance where he was pronounced dead.

    The Medical Examiner’s office ruled the child’s death as an accident. Lincoln is survived by his parents  Amanda and Adam Akers; brothers, Haydon, Mason and Cade; grandparents, Christine and Greg Akers, Shelley Major; aunts and uncles, Dory Bryant, Andrew and Amanda C. Akers.

   The purpose of the fund is to collect and provide financial assistance to the Akers family during this period of grief and mourning. The fund is being maintained at Mountain National Bank in Sevierville, TN. Money may be dropped off or checks may be mailed to:

    Lincoln Akers Memorial fund

    P.O. box 6519

    Sevierville, TN 37864

We should see a good day weather wise.

   The Pigeon Forge Police Department made a significant drug bust Thursday at a residence located at 1589 Upper Middle Creek Road. Investigators arrested four individuals and seized more than $18,000 of cocaine, marijuana, Roxycodone, vehicles and stolen property taken during a rash of burglaries reported in Sevier County.

    The four persons arrested were; identified as Gustavo Orellana, 28, who was charged with the Sale & Delivery of Sch II (Cocaine) narcotics.

    Olvin Aguiriano, 24, who will face charges of Possession of Sch VI (Marijuana) narcotics.

   Franklin Alexis Calix, 20, who was charged with Possession of Sch II narcotics for Resale (Cocaine) and Reyna Lisbeth Paiz-Chacon, 28, who was arrested for  Possession of Sch II for Resale (Cocaine).

  The complete list of items seized included; 173 baggies containing one gram powder cocaine each; one bag containing ½ ounce powder cocaine;  Approximately $3000 U.S. Currency;  one Browning automatic handgun; A small amount of marijuana and Roxicodone;  Various scales and packaging materials; Three vehicles; A Kawasaki Motorcycle;  Several flat screen TV's and assorted pieces of gold jewelry;  One Apple IPAD; One MSI Laptop computer and  a  DVR video camera and Canon camera

   Also recovered was a stolen flat screen TV's from a recent burglary in Sevier County.

   The arrests were the result of the execution of a search warrant based upon an undercover operation by the Criminal Investigation Division of Pigeon Forge Police Department. Once the operation was completed, PFPD detectives, assisted by PFPD and Sevier County Sheriff's Office tactical teams, executed a search warrant at the home on Upper Middle Creek Road, in Sevierville and an arrest warrant at 428 Keegan Drive in Pigeon Forge.

  This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected to follow.

       Gustavo Orellana                                        Franklin Alexis Calix

           Olvin Aguiriano                                     Reyna Lisbeth Paiz-Chacon

     Investigators with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the robbery of a Subway restaurant located at 10631 Chapman Highway in Seymour on Saturday night.

      According to reports, at approximately 9:49 p.m., a white male entered the restaurant from a side door brandishing a silver semi-automatic pistol.  . He took an undisclosed amount of cash and left on foot through the side door where he entered. Witnesses said he possibly left in a dark colored SUV or pickup truck, which was parked behind the subway at a doctor’s office.

       The suspect  appeared to be in his 20’s 5’6 to5’9” and had a slim build wearing a dark colored hoody (Blue or black) with a blue bandana covering his face. He had blue jean cargo shorts, white and black quarter high top basketball type shoes and black gloves The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 865-428-1899 or the tips line at 865-453-0312.

Penny Sutton, Sevier County educator and president of Sevier County Professional Educators of Tennessee, has been elected statewide to join the Professional Educators of Tennessee Board of Directors in Franklin, Tennessee.  Welcoming Ms. Sutton to the Board, Professional Educators, state president Cathy Kolb stated: “Penny Sutton is a dedicated classroom teacher and a strong advocate of children and educators. We are very proud to have her join the very distinguished men and women who guide Professional Educators of Tennessee.”

Professional Educators of Tennessee members strongly believe that parental, business and community collaboration is the defining element of a quality public education system. PET chooses to work in a respectful, dignified manner, bringing educators and the public together so as to advocate the importance of quality education to our elected leaders in a positive fashion and keep public education a priority across the state.

Penny Sutton is an active member of First Baptist Church, Sevierville. She taught Sunday school for four years and has been very involved with the youth and single’s ministry. She serves as a leader in the church’s C.A.R.E. Ministry, and she is a member of Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief.  Penny has two sons, Matthew and Eric.

Ms. Sutton was Teacher of the Week on WBIR, Channel 10 in Knoxville in 2009. Her recent interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel detailed SCPET acquiring a seat during collaborative conferencing and has helped to expand PET awareness in East Tennessee. She has an A.S. (Walters State); B.S. (Carson Newman College); M.Ed. (University of Tennessee); and an Ed.S. (Lincoln Memorial University).

                                       John Anderson                            

    Country music star John Anderson will perform at the 22^nd annual Patriot Festival in Patriot Park on July 4^th.  Joining Anderson will be Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, the Lovin’ Spoonful.  

   In a career that has spanned more than 30 years, Anderson has charted more than 40 singles on the Billboard country music charts, including five Number Ones: "Wild and Blue", "Swingin'", "Black Sheep", "Straight Tequila Night", and "Money in the Bank.” He has also recorded twenty-two studio albums on several labels. His newest album, Bigger Hands, was released on June 2009, on the Country Crossing label.

    Joining Anderson on a full day of musical acts is The Lovin’ Spoonful.  The band was originally formed in the 1960s and elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. They were the original band selected to play in the TV series “The Monkees.” The Lovin’ Spoonful is best known for hits “Do You Believe in Magic?”, “Daydream”, “Summer in the City” and many other hits.

   The Lovin' Spoonful 

   The event begins at 1 p.m. on July 4^th in Patriot Park. Several local bands will perform throughout the day. The Lovin’ Spoonful will take the stage at 7:15 and Anderson performs at 8:15. Seventeen vendors will be selling souvenirs, food and refreshments to benefit local charities and non-profit agencies. The event is free to the public. The Patriot Festival spans the afternoon and evening with great food, games, entertainment and a dazzling firework finale. Patriot Park is located on Old Mill Street at traffic light number 7 behind the historic Old Mill. Attendees can take advantage of the city parking lot on Teaster Lane with a trolley shuttle going to Patriot Park. At 1 in the afternoon, the Kids Carnival begins. Kids will love the free Kids’ Karnival zone with inflatables and games.

    Fans who come to enjoy the festivities may bring a lawn chair (no umbrellas, please). Following the  performances, the Pigeon Forge night sky will come to life with a fantastic fireworks display. The fireworks usually start at 9:30 to 9:45 p.m.

   Gatlinburg also plays host to the Gatlinburg Midnight Parade - the FIRST July 4th parade in the USA. It starts at 12:01 a.m. on the parkway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Another student from the King’s Academy in Seymour  has won a college scholarship in athletics. Clarence Sandjon is a 5’11” forward from Cameroon, Africa.  She has played one year at TKA where she averages 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 steals a game.  She shot 40% from the field and 65% from the line.

   Sandjon  signed with Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Georgia  where she will play for the Lady Bears. She plans to study computer programming.

“We were very blessed to have Clarence as a Lady Lion on and off the court for the 2011-12 school year,” said Head Coach  Mark Koss . “Her work ethic, coachability, and unselfishness allowed her to contribute right away.  The triple threat of Clarence, Aubin Fowler, and Cheyenne Tillman had  TSSAA Div. II-A rivals taking notice that The King’s Academy girls were a threat to win on any given night.  It was a privilege to coach Clarence and watch her develop during the season.  We feel that her best playing days are ahead of her and that Truett-McConnell College will be blessed for recruiting a well-rounded student athlete.” 

While her departure from TKA will be bittersweet for Sandjon, she is looking forward to making a contribution to the Lady Bears and her homeland.

“The King’s Academy is like my second family.  I met so many awesome people here and awesome teachers who care about students,” Sandjon said. “I met many friends from different countries.  TKA has helped me to grow up academically, spiritually, and emotionally.”

  “I want to major in computer sciences and then go back to my country and to contribute to its development.”

“I am feeling confident about my decision to become a Lady Bear.  I know it is a safe place and I feel like I will grow as a person there.”

The King's Academy Olympians. Front row: Bianca Hood, Emma Lakatosh, Kamryn Lee back row: Elijah Joyce, Anya Santee, Tavyn Santee, Julia Lee,  Abbey Dovey

      The King's Academy was proud to send thirty-five students from Grades 3 through 8 to represent our school in the ACSI Math Olympics on Tuesday, April 24 at Concord Christian School in Knoxville. Emma Lakatosh and Bianca Hood tied for 1st Place in 3rd grade Computation and Abbey Dovey won 1st Place in 6th grade Reasoning.  Tavyn Santee won 2nd place in 6th grade Computation.  Third place winners were Elijah Joyce (5th grade Computation), Kamryn Lee (5th grade Reasoning), and Anya Santee (8th grade Computation). Julia Lee placed 4th in 7th grade Computation.
 

     The Sevier County Sheriff’s Department is seeking help in identifying and apprehending a suspect in the robbery of Domino’s Pizza.

     According to Sheriff Ron Seals, On Monday May 7^th, at app. 2:30PM ,deputies with the Sevier County  Sheriff’s  Office responded to a reported armed robbery at Domino’s Pizza located on Chapman Highway in Seymour. Officers arrived on the scene and the clerk stated that a white male entered the store and displayed a handgun and demanded money. The employee gave the perpetrator an undisclosed amount of money and he then fled on foot. The robber is described as being 5’7”-5’8” in height with a slender build, wearing sunglasses, black hat with U.T. insignia, red shirt and blue jeans. An investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone that has any information is asked to call the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 865-428-1899 or 865-453-4668.

  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.   

 Three swimmers from TKA Competed at Baylor for the championship

   Three swimmers from The King’s Academy in Seymour took part in the 2012 Southeastern Middle School Championships at Baylor School Natatorium in Chattanooga and Knoxville Interscholastic Swim League High School City Meet Championships at the University of Tennessee Allan Jones Aquatic Center.

     Mason Fox, 13, returned for finals in the 100 fly dropping over 3.5 seconds and finished 15^th place. Grant Rollins, 13, returned for finals in the 100 free and 100 back. He placed 5^th in the 100 free and 6^th in the 100 back. Both Fox and Rollins took part in the 200 freestyle relay that swam to a 2^nd place finish. In addition, they swam the 400 relay to a 7^th place finish. The team placed 2^nd in overall team points while competing against 40 middle schools from around the Southeast.

     Leah Rollins, a freshman, swam the 50 free and the 100 free. Although swimming with a nagging shoulder injury, Leah was in the top 25% of over 200 swimmers swimming the 50 free. She swam the breaststroke for finals in the 200 medley relay. The relay team finished 10^th overall while competing against 33 area high schools.

     What a fantastic weekend for these swimmers!

Today is the last day for the 2012 Home Builders Show. The show is produced by the Sevier County Home Builders and is located at the Sevierville Event Center on Winfield Dunn Parkway. There are businesses present from a unique motorized patio roof to information from the State of Tennessee Fire Prevention department and everything in between. With today's weather come out a have a learning experience before the Super Bowl Game.

Visitors to the home show stop to learn about Patio Concepts of Tennessee's unique motorized patio roof. It allows for sunshine or shade with the push of a button.

Learn how to be fire safe when burning outdoors at the Home Builders show.

The Green Valley Motel on the Parkway in South Pigeon Forge is involved in a major fire tonight. There are no reported injuries at this time. The fire is not controlled and we will have updates to follow.

 INDIANAPOLIS --- The Tusculum College men’s basketball team is ranked in three team categories according to the latest edition of the NCAA Division II national statistics.

 Tusculum is listed 41^st in the country in team rebound margin (+5.8), 43^rd in field goal percentage (.487) and 48^th in field goal percentage defense (.408).

 The Pioneers (5-5, 2-0 in South Atlantic Conference) return to action for the first time in 16 days as they travel to Harrogate, Tenn. to take on third-ranked and undefeated Lincoln Memorial University (12-0, 2-0 SAC) Wednesday night at 8 p.m.  LMU is one of only eight remaining undefeated DII teams in the nation.

 Tusculum, winners of five of its last seven, are off to its first 2-0 SAC start in eight years are in a three-way tie for first place in the league standings, along with LMU and Anderson University.

       Sheila Dinwoodie has been crafting metal sculptures since 1994.

     The new Arts and Crafts Village at The Christmas Fest at the Smoky Mountain Opry Theater in Pigeon Forge is giving guests a chance to see local craftsmen at work and to shop for handmade goods while in town. The festival. Located at traffic light 0 will run through Dec. 30.
    David Fee, president of Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment said the shops at the Arts and Crafts Village at The Christmas Fest are different from ordinary shops.  “Each of our shops is unique with a tremendous selection of hand crafted items,” Fee said. “They offer things to meet the needs of a traveling customer who sees shopping as entertainment while in town.  Buyers have access to one-of-a-kind products in a hassle-free, casual, and fun shopping environment that is in a convenient location right in front of The Smoky Mountain Opry Theater. Parking and admission to the Arts and Crafts Village is free and we hope visitors will want to walk around our festival that features over a million lights and see our Smoky Mountain Christmas Spectacular Show while they are here.”
     Just in time for the holiday season, the following locally hand made items are offered at The Christmas Fest outside The Smoky Mountain Opry:  rustic frames, metal sculptures, sock dolls, baskets, soap, pottery, nylon wreaths, portraits and many other things.  The festival also has a huge outdoor ice skating rink -- the first of its kind on the Parkway with a covered arena, skate rental and changing area, as well as a viewing area for those who just want to watch.  In addition there is a Ferris wheel, Christmas Carousel, a Himalaya ride, an Alpine Racing Slide, Santa Claus, live reindeer, an outdoor synchronized Christmas Light Show and a choreographed indoor Laser Light Show, food vendors, horse drawn carriage rides, a Santa train ride, and a S'mores Pit. At the S'mores Pit guests are able to roast their own marshmallows.  Also available are Wassail, hot chocolate, popcorn balls, roasted nuts and other Christmas themed menu items. 
    Jean and Jeff Zinneman of Sevierville have The Basket Shop at the Christmas Fest.  Jean has been making baskets for over 25 years and her merchandise was featured twice on QVC.  The second time she was on QVC she showcased a mail/key holder basket and she sold 1400 baskets in 3 minutes. After she filled all of those orders she didn't want to look at baskets for 4 or 5 years she said. At The Christmas Fest the Zinnemans are offering a wide variety of basket items as well as wooden ornaments and organic dog treats.  They are also exhibiting some wood products made by Wayne Reynolds in their shop.  Reynolds makes birdhouses, jewelry boxes and specialized children's wooden toys such as guns, ping-pong ball shooters and a jig doll. (A jig doll, also known as a slapjack, is a wooden percussion instrument that consists of a doll with loose joints on the end of a long stick. The operator jiggles the toy rhythmically and the legs of the doll hit the stick as if the doll is clogging.)  In addition they are also selling hand made stockings by Pat Edmonds.  Basket prices in the shop range from $12 to $50.
     Another shop at the Festival is from The Knoxville Soap and Candle Factory.  Soaps products include: Chamomile, Cucumber and Grits, Lavender, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Peppermint and Oatmeal, Rosemary, Smoky Mountain Rain, Seaweed, Tea Tree, Honey and Oatmeal, Plumeria Facial Cleansing Bar, Eucalyptus, Spearmint and Oatmeal, Christmas Cinnamon and Avocado Shaving Soap. The Knoxville Soap and Candle Factory has been making soap since 1998 using their exclusive recipe containing 85 percent olive oil, along with coconut and palm oils and they have now added shea butter as well.  They make hand-rolled soap balls, square soaps, candles and melting tarts.  “We have a rich lather that moisturizes skin and never leaves a soapy film,” said shop worker, Savannah Newcomb.  “Our soaps retail from $2.25 to $8.”
     The Solar Stone Studio Shop features handmade stoneware pottery such as functional coffee cups. They also have artistic pieces such as face jugs and mugs and oil lamps.  Owners Tiffany and Nolan apprenticed at Alewine Pottery in Gatlinburg and have been making pottery for the past six years.  They produce their pottery at a studio in Cosby, Tenn., and some shops in Gatlinburg also carry their collection.  Their pottery ranges from $6 to $50.
     The Afterlife Rejects, which has humble homemade beginnings in a home in Cosby, Tenn., is a 2-year-old company that has found success with sock dolls.  “Every one of our dolls is unique,” said owner Patty Kalas.  “We never make the same one twice.” Kalas teamed up with her 13-year-old, son, Laurence, her 17-year-old daughter, Naomi, her 19-year-old daughter, Cat, and her 22-year-old daughter, Savannah, to launch the doll company.  Even husband Peter helps with the business by stuffing the dolls and lugging them to trade shows. Dolls range in price from $10 to $25.
     One of the most unique specialty retailers at the Christmas Fest at the Opry is the Dinwoodie Metal Sculptors made by Stan, Bob and Sheila Dinwoodie.  Stan Dinwoodie has been creating metal sculptures since 1972, and he taught son, Bob, in 1987 and Bob taught wife, Sheila, in 1994 -- so it truly is a family business. The Dinwoodie's use copper (sheet goods, tubing and wiring), brass, stainless steel and nails to create their works of art.  “We can put 150 hours of work into one piece so it is very labor intensive,” Bob Dinwoodie said.  “I use flat copper that has been hit with a hammer to create the look of bark when I make copper tree pieces and then I color them with a torch,” he said.  “Some pieces are given bright color with chemicals and some are painted.”  The shop carries copper “stocking stuffer” items such as ladybugs, Christmas ornaments, dogwood and candle centerpieces, and various wall plaques featuring pine, oak, maple and dogwood leaves, as well as black bear lamps.  They also make garden accents such as water fountains adding the tranquil sound of the great outdoors.  The shop even has a copper turkey for Thanksgiving.  The sculptures range in price from $ 5 to $750 so there is something for all price ranges.
     Ruth's Roses features hand painted roses on lamps, dishes, note cards, hand held mirrors, jewelry including necklaces, earrings, pins and bracelets, and even baby shoes and bathroom sinks! Owner Ruth Russell from Columbia, Missouri, is a third generation china or porcelain painter. Her specialty is roses but she paints all kinds of flowers, rabbits and other things found in nature.  She also paints angels and she paints photo mats that her husband frames.  All of her designs are fired in a kiln so the designs won't fade or wash off and the items can be cleaned with regular window cleaner. Russell has been doing craft shows for over 20 years and she travels from craft show to show in her motor home.   She travels with two kilns so she can paint on the road.  Merchandise in her store ranges from $9 to $48.    
    Smoky Mountain Portraits has keepsake portraits in a wide variety of styles, sizes and mediums.  Perfect for souvenirs of guest's visits to the Smoky Mountains or to give as Christmas gifts, the company offers pencils sketches, charcoal portraits and classic pastel portraits.  Owner Mike Spearman is originally from Florida and worked at a lot of amusement parks there.  He most recently worked at Dollywood where he did a portrait of Dolly Parton as well as one of her parents.   His sittings range from $16 to $75 depending on what the customer wants and how long it takes.  He is even willing to take special orders to make portraits from photographs.  “I really like to do fine portraits by commission,” he said. 
    Bill Spurling, of The Huckleberry Patch in Wears Valley also has a shop at The Christmas Fest.  He makes and sells rustic framed prints.  Spurling buys the prints from different print companies.  “I began the business 10 years ago in Pigeon Forge,” he said.  “We couldn't get the frames anywhere else so we started making them ourselves and now we wholesale our frames all over the country.”  Spurling uses Alpine wood that he buys from a lumber company and then he stains it before making the frames.  The framed prints range in price from  $10 to $110.
    Donna Blackwood (of The Country Jamboree Breakfast Show), Carol Reed and Jonathan Kunkle offer Christmas Wreaths in their booth called J & M Designs.   The wreaths made of nylon netting, come in a wide variety of colors including a UT orange and white wreath.  They also carry hand painted ornaments from Gatlinburg.  This is the first year of the business so new merchandise is plentiful and they have some great deals said Blackwood.   The wreaths range in price from $75 to $150 and the ornaments sell for $9.95.
   Christmas Fest is open every day at the Smoky Mountain Opry from 1 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.  The Smoky Mountain Christmas Spectacular runs every day with shows at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 p.m. matinees on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets are available online at www.SmokyMtnOpry.com or by calling 865-429-SHOW (7469).  The Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group also owns The Comedy Barn Theater®, The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, The Country Jamboree Breakfast Show, Tony Roma's Restaurant, Happy Days Restaurant and SeePigeonForge.com. 

    Pigeon Forge Police are searching for a white male wanted for the rape of a 16-year- old male.

 Matthew  Roberts who's last know address is 956 Pine Street, Seymour TN., is suspected in the assault. An arrest warrant is on file at the Sevier County  Sheriff's office charging Roberts with Rape. Roberts drives a 1991 Chevy S-10 Truck, Blue in Color, Tennessee License Plate # C04 99F TN

   Anyone with information about Roberts whereabouts is asked to contact Pigeon Forge Police Department  at 865-453-9063.

 Police are seeking public assistance in finding Mathew Roberts who is suspected of rape.  

    Three local students were among those honored for academic achievment by being included in the Dean's or Honors list at Wesleyan College.
Robert Harper, a Senior Interdisciplinary Studies major and a resident of Sevierville, TN - Dean's.
Ramon Rivera, a Sophomore International Management major and a resident of Pigeon Forge, TN - Honors.
Leslie Messel, a Sophomore Biology with Pre-Professional Studies Emphasis major and a resident of Seymour, TN - Honors.
    To be eligible for the Honors List, a student must be registered for 12 or more hours and attain a grade point average of at least 3.70 with no grade below B. To be eligible for the Dean's List, a student must be registered for 12 or more hours and attain a grade point average of at least 3.40 with no grade below C.

Johnson Pest Control was one of many businesses that participated in the 2011 Smoky Mountain Home Show.    

 The 24th annual Smoky Mountain Home Show has been scheduled for Feb. 3,4,5. The annual home show has always been a great place for people in the home improvement, building industry or finance industry to network and meet potential clients.

 In the past, as many as 100 booths comprised the show. The show featured vendors selling services such as home improvements, interior decorating, plumbing, carpentry, landscaping, HVAC, pest control, home financing and other services. Vendors get great visibility while representing their companies and meeting potential clients.

  "In the past we have had people gather enough contacts that they were able to get as much as a year's worth of work during these three days," said Sharon Loomis of the Smoky Mountain Home Show.  

   The show is now accepting vendors and space is going fast. While the show is still three months out, as much as one fourth of the booths have been rented.

 Anyone seeking to rent a booth at the show is encouraged to call Loomis at 865-453-4769. For more information visist the web Site at www.smokymountainhomeshow.com.

Representatives of Master Dry met with potential clients at the home show