By Phil Bredesen In today’s world, the internet is quickly becoming as vital as telephones, or electric power, or roads, or water and sewer services—a fifth utility. We use it to stay connected and informed, to shop, to communicate with others. It’s an important tool for nearly every business, which puts any place without reliable broadband internet access at a ...

During this year’s Friends Across the Mountains Telethon, SmartBank presented a $15,000 check to Friends of the Smokies to support its annual fundraising effort for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since 2010, SmartBank has donated nearly $100,000 to this non-profit. “We take great pleasure in partnering with Friends of the Smokies and other local organizations that work tirelessly to encourage ...

For this year’s Clear the Shelters event, the Sevier County Humane Society is giving area dogs a second chance at life by offering $45 adoption for select dogs on Saturday, August 18, 2018. Adoption fees are normally $125 for dogs and $150 for puppies Fees cover the first set of vaccinations for dogs (2 sets for puppies), spay/neuter services, de-worming, ...

In honor of a fallen U.S. Marine, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency joined American Eagle Foundation for an American bald eagle release at the foundation’s Eagle Hack Tower on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. While traveling through Waynesboro, Va., TWRA Fisheries Technician Gary Loucks visited Jake’s Bar and Grill and met restaurant owner Rhonda Winfield, who told him about her son Jason (nicknamed Jake), who lost his life while serving his country during the war ...

The Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge is opening a new exhibit featuring a former law enforcement surveillance van. There’s a new artifact on display at Alcatraz East, but since its focus is on undercover work it might be hard to spot. The crime museum in Pigeon Forge is giving visitors a look inside the workings of law enforcement ...

SmartBank announced plans to open a fourth Sevier County branch location this fall. The new Smartbank Sevierville branch will be located at 710 Dolly Parton Parkway. According to Billy Carroll, SmartBank President and CEO, the existing building will be renovated to reflect the SmartBank brand, incorporating a warm and inviting atmosphere, including the use of teller pods as opposed to ...

Gatlinburg’s award-winning Fourth of July Midnight Parade steps off at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4 with a lineup of entertainment, performers and stunning floats. Celebrating our local community, Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Athletics will act as the Grand Marshal in this year’s parade. Famed as the First Independence Day Parade in the Nation, the Fourth of July Midnight Parade has won ...

A Florida woman who fell off her rental bicycle in Cades Cove on Friday has died. Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers responded to a report of a bicycle accident in Cades Cove at 12:48 p.m. on Friday, June 29, 2018. The cyclist, 55-year old Sandra Hull from Sarasota, Fla., fell off her bicycle along the Cades Cove Loop Road ...

The much-anticipated Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg has arrived, opening its doors officially to guests on June 28 and celebrating with featured city dignitaries and VIPs. The resort is the third Tennessee property for Margaritaville, with a fourth under development in Nashville. “Gatlinburg is a perfect fit for Margaritaville, with its laid-back vacation feel,” said Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, chief marketing officer of Margaritaville. ...

The City of Sevierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen have unanimously passed the FY 2019 budget, which begins July 1, 2018. Numerous public meetings and workshops were held to discuss the budget and included many comments from residents. Much of the discussion concerned the need to address upcoming debt payments pertaining to Tourist Development Zone bonds. These bonds were issued ...