Before Tennessee had even been imagined, Sevier County was formed in September 1794. The place takes its name from John Sevier, the only governor of the almost state of Franklin, as well as the first man to later govern Tennessee, which he did on two occasions. Sevier was a very important character during the early turbulent years of the settlement of the remarkable mountainous region we call home today. Shortly after the Revolutionary War, the original colonies were asked to pay for their new independence and create a financially sound country. However, because taxing the distant population was challenging, nearly bankrupted North Carolina ceded the rugged western portion of the state to the new federal government, basically paying a large portion of their debt with land instead of cash. A bill in May 1784 gave away their surly western counties, but stipulated that they would remain part of the state if Congress declined to accept them. Not only would this scheme lower the state’s tax... (more...)

Press Release: By Rennie Leon / Tennessee Smokies SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Smokies, Class AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, announce today that Cubs All-Star catcher Geovany Soto is tentatively scheduled to join the Smokies during their upcoming homestand against Carolina. Soto is recovering from a strained left oblique and is tentatively scheduled to play at Smokies Park next Monday – Wednesday. Prior to his heading to the disabled list on July 11, Soto hit .230 (50-for-217) for the Cubs this year. He belted eight home runs and drove in 27 runs in 69 games played. The Puerto Rico native is looking to recapture his 2008 form, where he hit 23 home runs with 86 RBIs to win the National League Rookie of the Year award and earn a spot on the N.L. All-Star team. The accolades don’t stop there though for the 26-year old. In his final year in the minors in 2007, Soto was named by Baseball America to its Minor League All-Star and Pacific Coast League... (more...)

As I was in prayer one day, the Lord directed to Revelations 2:4, which says you have left your first love.  That was a spiritual jolt that  I hadn’t expected.  As I sat there the Lord said, “Not just you, but my church, my bride has backed away.”  Standing at arms length distracted by all the activity in today’s christian world. I got to thinking about my “first love” in the human sense.  I met my “first love” when I was a young woman.  When we met there was an instant bond.  The more time we spent together, the more time we wanted to spend together.  At times when we were apart my thoughts were of him.  I talked about every opportunity I got.  I even carried a picture of him and showed it off every chance I got. It was so exciting when he would surprise me with a special gift.  Something that he had chosen just for me.  Something that truly expressed his love for me. As time progressed our love grew.  I even thought that if... (more...)

Press Release: Tennessee Smokies SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – This year’s Tennessee Smokies Summer Reading Program is in its final days, as the program wraps up next Wednesday, August 5, with the annual Summer Reading Program picnic at Smokies Park. The picnic will be begin at 5:30 p.m. next to the Shoney’s Kids Zone down the first base line. The picnic honors all those Summer Reading Program participants who completed all five levels of the program this summer. The Smokies will have food on-hand for those participants who completed the program and their families, and be giving prizes away as well during the picnic. For those children who have completed all five levels of the program, but has not turned in the Level 5 form with reading logs written in, their parents need to make sure to send in the completed Level 5 forms as soon as possible. Forms can be faxed to the Smokies front office at (865) 523-9913 or brought in-person to the Smokies Park ticket office. All five levels... (more...)

Press Release: By Rennie Leon / Tennessee Smokies SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. -Another special luxury suite promotion is being offered by the Tennessee Smokies this year at Smokies Park. During the month of August, fans can take advantage of a special suite offer includes 15 suite tickets, a hamburger and a hot dog buffet, side items and two (2) Pepsi products. The suite offer is $500 for Sunday-Thursday games, and extra tickets maybe purchased for $30 each. For those interested in taking advantage of the offer on Friday and Saturday nights, this suite package can be purchased for $600. Extra tickets for a Friday/Saturday package are $35 a piece. All suites are fully furnished, air-conditioned and provide 12 private outside seats with plenty of available inside seating to keep everyone entertained. The Smokies’ luxury suites come complete with full hostess service and a 32″ LCD TV. Interested parties can contact the Smokies’ group sales department at (865) 286-2300. This is... (more...)

The Knoxville Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy will be starting its 49th class on Thursday August 27, 2009. The goal of the Knoxville Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy is to create and develop a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential to influence public opinion concerning police practices and service delivery. Graduates of our program will fulfill the critical role of providing input and information to their neighborhoods, which will increase citizen involvement on issues of mutual concern. This active citizens’ participation will improve the quality of life and build lasting and productive partnerships between our police department and the communities we so proudly serve. The Citizen’s Police Academy is an excellent opportunity to gain a better understanding of how the Knoxville... (more...)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract with defensive lineman Sen’Derrick Marks. The Titans selected Marks in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Auburn.  The Mobile, Ala., native started 37 of 40 games during his three-year collegiate career and recorded 114 tackles with 7.5 sacks, 30 stops for losses and 10 quarterback pressures.  In his final season as a junior, Marks earned second-team All-SEC recognition from the league’s coaches and honorable mention from the Associated Press.  Perhaps his most successful season came as a sophomore when he started all 13 games at defensive end and was named All-SEC second-team after posting a career-high 43 tackles with a pair of sacks. Additionally, the Titans waived OL Ryan Schmidt and DT Derrick Jones to reach the NFL roster limit of 80 players for the start of training camp. The Titans have now agreed to terms with 10 of their 11 draft choices, only wide receiver... (more...)

What’s Happen’ in Your Hometown? Ladies, Teenagers, Men & Kids. . .Are you looking for a GREAT opportunity to do a little shopping? How about Friday August 7 thru Sunday August 9 . Time begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and runs through 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Yes, I’m talking about this year’s TAX-FREE Weekend. Since 2006 our state government has given us the opportunity to save money and have fun doing it. We can shop, SHOP!!! Just a few rules apply: School and Art Supplies can be purchased (under $100.00) Clothing can be purchased as long as EACH item is under $100.00 (Boy, can we do some damage with that?) Computer Items that are less than $1500.00 per item: such as Computer CPU; connecting cables, keyboards, Laptop Computers, Monitors, a Mouse, Notebook Computers and preloaded softwear can all be purchased as long as EACH item is less than $1500.00. Look out ladies. . .there goes your guys. With School beginning just around the corner. . . Now is the time to get out... (more...)

Knoxville presented a check from the proceeds from the 2009 Mardi Growl Dog Parade to the Young-Williams Animal Center at Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division Street. Joe Walsh, Director of the City of Knoxville’s Park’s and Recreation Department presented the check and Tim Adams, Executive Director of the Young-Williams Animal Center accepted on the animal center’s behalf. The date for the 2010 Mardi Growl was announced for February 13, 2010 during the check ceremony. More than 500 dogs, most wearing costumes, and roughly 1,000 of their human companions participated in the second annual Mardi Growl Dog Parade on Feb. 21, in downtown Knoxville. With Rudy, a Labrador Retriever who portrayed Marley in the movie “Marley & Me,” leading the way as grand marshal the parade also included selection of a Mardi... (more...)

With school starting on Aug. 17, Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is holding special extended clinic hours in two of its facilities to accommodate the school immunization rush. The clinics will be open on selected days until 8 p.m. providing vaccinations during the two weeks leading up to the start of the school year. (NOTE: All other KCHD services also will be provided during regular business hours on immunization clinic days. The time between 4:30 and 8 p.m. will be dedicated exclusively to providing school vaccinations.) Dates, locations and directions are included below for your reference. “Preparing for a new school year is a very busy time for families,” said Mark Jones, Knox County Health Department director. “As public health professionals, we are pro-active about immunizations and want to make it more convenient for parents who are unable to bring their children during the day.” Children enrolling in school for the first time or into a Knox County school for the first... (more...)