A rare skunk squirrel has been spotted in Sevier County. The small furry animal resembles a skunk and squirrel hybrid and is sometimes referred to as a piebald. It is extremely rare and this may be the first time the animal was reported in Sevier County.

Rare Squirrel. Ducharmy Nuttavatus Species.

The unofficial vote in Pigeon Forge is in and the voters have passed LBTD in Pigeon Forge. It appears that the schools in Pigeon Forge will benefit from tonights vote. More to follow.

This Red Tail Hawk was spotted this afternoon by a Sevier County News photographer and was captured in fly.

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.

Gary Loveday of Sevierville sits atop of his brand new Harley Softail he just won at Smoky Mountain Celebration. Jeff Murrell, President of Sevier County High School Foundation, and Jimbo Conner congratulate Gary.

The First Annual Smoky Mountain Celebration held today at Smokies Stadium was a huge success. The crowd was estimated to be nearly 2,000 people. The event was conducted by the Sevier County High School Foundation and volunteers for the benefit of the minor sports programs at SCHS. At the end of the event there were 35 happy people who won one the 35 prizes valued at over $150,000.00. At the end of the day Foundation staff and volunteers were already planning how to make the event bigger and better next year. This was a great community event and very exciting.

Parking was at a premium during Smoky Mountain Celebration.

Vadene Sisk and her son Austin an ex Smoky Bear Baseballer celebrate Vadene winning of a $1,000.00 during Smoky Mountain Celebration.

More photos after the break:

We should see a good day weather wise.

The 4 Door 4 Wheel Drive Silverado from Volunteer Chevrolet that is being given away by www.smokymountaincelebration.com was spotted this morning in front of Frank Allen's Market in Sevierville. Frank's is the home of the best hamburger in the county. It has been reported that the tickets for the drawing that includes this truck and a total of over $150,000 in prizes are selling fast. Frank Allen's Market also has all the information to purchase a ticket.

    Linday Hyder of the UT Extension in Sevier County and Kathy Scruggs of the Sevier County Health Department have some good news. If you live with diabetes or a diabetic you do not have to be deprived of your favorite foods, nor buy special food. A good eating plan for diabetes is  basically a healthy diet for anyone.

    People with diabetes are often stressed about their daily diet. They are frustrated about what to eat , as well as, the taste of "diabetic friendly" foods. However at the same time they realize their food choices are critical in controlling diabetes.

    The key is to watch the quanity and nutritional quality of foods, plus maintain a regular schedule for eating. For people with diabetes, there are three types of nutrients that need to be watched daily-carbohydrates, protein and fat. Label reading, food variety, and the method of preparation are critical to consumption of these nutrients.

    UT Extension of Sevier County will be offering a Dining with Diabetes Program Series at the Fort Sanders Sevier County Senior Center. The classes will be held from 1-3 p.m. on June 21 & 22. Cost will be $12 and inculdes both days. Participants will learn tips on preparing foods with less sugar and fat, appropriate for diabetics. 

    Recipe books and food samples will be included.

    Reservations are required. To register mail check to UT Extension Office, 752 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville, TN 37862. You may call (865-453-3695) or e-mail (lhyder@utk.edu) for further information. 

    Remember, small changes in your eating can make important differences in your blood glucose level and how you feel. Also, healthy eating can be tasty, satisfying and fun. It just takes a little planning coupled with some knowledge and positive attitude. You still can enjoy "dining with diabetes!"

    Linda Hyder is a Sevier County agricultural extension service agent who works with family and consumer sciences programs.

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

End of the game.

The Sevier County Smoky Bear baseballers put their first win in the book in a special in school game this afternoon. The Bear's senior Marcus Watson recorded his first and the Bear's first win of the season with a final score of 6-1 over the Cocke County High Fighting Cockes. The game was played at 1:30 P.M. and Sevier County students were allowed to attend which produced the largest crowd for a baseball game that most could remember.  Watson pitched 6 innings giving up only one run and senior Drew Correll came in to close out the game in the 7th inning.

Watson recorded two RBI's and senior catcher Kyle Pope did a great job behind the plate and recorded an RBI with a deep sac fly. Senior right fielder Daniel Beagan hit a double with two RBI's  and played great defense for the Bears. The team travels to Cocke County tomorrow to play the second match up of the young season at 5:P.M. Looks like the Bears are off to another great season so fans should come out as often as possible.

Senior Marcus Watson goes to work on the hill.

The weather cooperated. Opening ceremonies with the Bear looking on.

Kyle Pope listens to instruction from Coach Lance Traywick before heading to the plate.

Pope launches a deep sac fly for an RBI.

Team picks up Pope after his RBI.

Part of the crowd at today's season opener.

Sevier County News projects Karen Cotter as the winner in the race for Sevier County Court Clerk. Results of all local elections to follow in the am.

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

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

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

                                     Photos by Bill Bloodworth

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

                    Photos By Bill Bloodworth

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

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

The Sevier County defense dominated in the second half.

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

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

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

Photo submitted by Glenda Raney

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

Local artist and retired pottery maker, Caroline Waring, is painting pet portraits. Caroline's has a BFA degree  from Ohio University with  a emphasis in cermaics. She operated Stoneware Pottery in downtown Gatlinburg and Glades Road Craft Community for a number of years. Caroline spends 3 hours a day as an assistant to Christi Carver in a developmental kindergarten class at Catlettsburg Elementary School in Sevierville. " I have always enjoyed painting and have a little extra time now with our children gone so I decided to work a little more with the paints."  

Caroline can produce the paintings from photos of customers pets so there is no need of trying to have a dog or cat  sit for a portrait. You can contact her at 865-453-4944 and there is plenty of time to have a portrait for a Christmas gift.

Sugar from Sevierville. A member of the Whiting family.

Chili from Knoxville.

Abbey from Sevierville.

A two car front end collision occured at 4:29 pm this afternoon that left the west bound lanes Dolly Parton Parkway totally blocked for several minutes. The accident occurred at the intersection of Dolly Parton Parkway and Robert Henderson Road across from the Citizens National Bank branch.  Sevierville Police Department, Sevierville Fire Department and Sevier County Ambulance service responded. The passengers were attended to and no one was transported to a medical facility. Sevierville Police worked quickly to clear the roadways. There was a delay in awaiting the wrecker service to make their way to the scene.

 
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