Sevier County News - Hometown Sevier

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Resumes Full Operations

With the enactment of the continuing resolution, staff at Great Smoky Mountains National Park resumed regular operations beginning Saturday, January 26. Many basic services were accessible to visitors on weekends and holiday periods throughout the shutdown period using a combination of partner funds and revenue generated by recreation fees. Park visitor centers are now accessible […]

Pigeon Forge Receives National Wildfire Mitigation Award

NASHVILLE – The city of Pigeon Forge is gaining national attention for its work to safeguard the community against wildfires. Pigeon Forge has been selected to receive a Wildfire Mitigation Award, which is the highest honor a community can achieve for outstanding work in wildfire risk reduction. Experts and leaders in the field established the Wildfire […]

Tennesseans for Student Success Applauds Education Appointment

NASHVILLE – Tennesseans for Student Success issued the following statement on Tennessee’s new Commissioner of Education: “Congratulations to Penny Schwinn as she is named Tennessee’s next Commissioner of Education,” said Tennesseans for Student Success President and CEO Adam Lister.”Over the last eight years, Tennessee experienced historic gains in public education, and the next Commissioner will have an opportunity […]

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort Team Member Earns National Aquatic Certification

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – January 17, 2019 – Corey Newcomb, Activities Manager at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, was recently certified as an Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) by the National Certification Board (NCB) and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). To become AFO-certified, individuals must pass a nationally administered examination, which tests knowledge in the […]

GSMNP to Restore Accessibility and Some Basic Visitor Services

Great Smoky Mountains National Park recently announced that closed areas of the park will once again be accessible to visitors beginning Sunday, January 13. Some basic visitor services, including campgrounds and restrooms, will reopen using revenue generated by recreation fees. Areas that have been recently closed but that will be accessible to park visitors in […]