A Year in Review: 2016, July-December

This is the second entry in “A Year in Review,” taking a look back at the last half of 2016.

The second half of 2016 featured just as much change and diversity as the first. However, in the middle of difficult circumstances people were greeted to the cheer and all around good feelings of the holidays to bolster them in difficult times. Here is the second half of 2016 in review.

July brought with it the heat of summer and debate between county commissioners and Mayor Alan Palmieri. The mayor issued a response to the comments made by Commissioner David Seal, discussing a veto that was accompanied by a media release issued by the mayor over recent events. In medical news, a study by the American Academy of Neurology cited at a conference in Chicago that athletes’ white brain matter may be suspect to change up to six months after a concussion.

August brought with it the beginning of school, and the Jefferson County School system received a $2.1 million dollar boost. During a school board work secession the board voted the money to be used for $200, 000 dollar projects and renovations. The annual Jefferson County fair also came to town with the theme of Creating New Beginnings. The ten day event was a local goodbye to the summer for many. Many were also ready to welcome back fall with school staring again, cooler weather, and the anticipation of Tennessee football hanging in the air.

September brought with it the hosting of a New Moon. The moon would light up the sky for onlookers at exactly 8:13 p.m. on the 30th. The streets of Downtown Dandridge flooded for the annual Scots- Irish festival. The festival highlights the heritage and ancestry of many that settled this region centuries ago.

October would bring the now infamous “Hail Mary” for the Vols in their game against Georgia. The catch would be the catalyst for their overall win of the game. Joshua Dobbs threw the winning play and Jauan Jennings would make the catch. Ghouls and monsters would also descend upon the region with trunk or treats, as well as Halloween hostings in Historic Downtown Dandridge.

November would host the largest super moon in the last 68 years! Star gazers and sky watchers were greeted by the dazzling sight, and participants will have to wait for another 18 years to see it as full again. One of the most vitriolic elections in memory would conclude with a win for Donald J. Trump, making him the president-elect. Locally, the summer of drought and dry temperatures would fuel the Gatlinburg wildfires. Many would feel the effects of the fires across the region with ash and soot blanketing the sky. Unfortunately, this would eventually lead to the fires’ spreading out of control, leaving many to evacuate their homes and others to lose their businesses, or even their lives. This tragedy would bring the region together in an effort to help rebuild Gatlinburg in a way that is truly indicative of the spirit of Tennessee.

December would bring with it the spirit of the Christmas season, not only in helping those in need after the fires, but also in the celebrations across the region. Dandridge would hold its annual Christmas parade featuring floats from several area businesses, churches, and law enforcement. Several Christmas programs also took place throughout the region, leaving many around the area to usher in the new year with the joy and merriment of the season.