Park to Open Chimney Tops Trail October 6

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials will open the Chimney Tops Trail to a newly developed observation point starting Friday, October 6, 2017. The entire trail has been closed to the public since the Chimney Tops 2 Fire event occurred in late November 2016. “We are excited to complete the work on the Chimney Tops […]
National Park Service Releases Review of Chimney Tops 2 Fire

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke issued an independent review of the Chimney Tops 2 Fire that burned 11,410 acres in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in November 2016 and merged with other area fires, which caused 14 deaths and millions of dollars in damage in the Gatlinburg area. The report outlines the origins […]
Bohanan Reunited with Family After 11 Days

After spending 11 nights lost in the backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Austin Bohanan walked out of the woods along Panther Creek and flagged down a passing boat for help on August 23 at approximately 2:30 p.m. He was quickly reunited with his family who has gathered daily near the site since his […]
Team Continues Search for Missing Team

On Sunday, August 20, searchers continued looking for missing teen, Austin Bohanan, in a remote section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The searchers are working in three teams comprised of 24 trained individuals from the National Park Service, Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue (BUSAR), Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and Blount Special Operations Response Team […]
Four Inmates Escape Jefferson County Work House – Two Recaptured, Two Remain At Large

On December 16th, 2016 Deputies were treating an inmate at the Jefferson County Work House 983 Industrial Park Road Dandridge, Tn. Inmate Adam Lethco had hurt his hand and Deputies were icing and wrapping his hand. As the Deputies exited the cell four inmates assaulted the Deputies, took the keys to a Deputies Vehicle and […]
TBI Arrests, Charges 2 Juveniles in Ongoing Investigation of Sevier County Wildfires

An investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, National Park Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in charges being placed against two people in connection with the deadly wildfires in Sevier County. Last week, at the request of 4th District Attorney General […]
Park Facilities are Closed
Park Facilities are Closed Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed all facilities in the park due to the extensive fire activity, and downed trees. Park Headquarters is currently without power and phone services.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Celebrates 100th Anniversary

The 100th anniversary of “America’s Best Idea” took place on Thursday with a founder’s Day luncheon that honored Park Employees. Deputy Superintendent Clay Jordan believed that the event included one of the largest gatherings of Great Smoky Mountains National Park employees ever. Several dignitaries came out to commemorate the event. Included were Senator Lemar Alexander, Congressman Phil […]
Park Proposes Frontcountry Camping Fee Increase

Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to comment through June 27 on a proposal to increase fees at frontcountry campgrounds and picnic pavilions along with proposed changes to the management of three campgrounds by adding them to the national reservation system through Recreation.gov. The park is also hosting open houses at the Oconaluftee […]
UT Professor & Kentucky Business Woman Found Dead In Hot Tub In Gatlinburg

A University of Tennessee Professor and Kentucky Business Woman were found dead in a hot tub early Saturday morning in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Jon Levin, who taught in the Department of Physics and Astronomy for the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and Myra Smith-Findell of Corbin were discovered at Gatlinburg Falls Resort, 820 Resort Way in Gatlinburg, […]
Stargazing Party at Cades Cove

Around two hundred people gathered in a field in Cades Cove to gaze in to the heavens. The National Park Service, along with the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society, hosted a star gazing event. “Ranger Mike” Maslona greeted visitors, explaining how The Cove was a “giant cereal bowl and we are the Rice Crispies,” pointing out […]
Tennessee Guard Helicopter Proves Key Factor in Mountain Rescue

The type of medical helicopter that normally flies into Knoxville’s Ft. Sanders Regional Hospital heliport is a UT Lifestar bird, but yesterday the heliport was reminiscent of a scene from MASH. A HH-60 Blackhawk assigned to the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 1-169 Medevac unit landed at Fort Sander’s after rescuing a 66 year old man […]
State Representative Jeremy Faison Hosts Young Constituents As Pages For The Tennessee General Assembly

State Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) hosted Colby and Ryan Frazier, from Centerview, to visit with him, learn about the General Assembly, and serve as official pages for the Tennessee House of Representatives. The General Assembly’s Page Program is an opportunity for young students to be actively involved in the legislative body of Tennessee. During the student’s […]
Low Income Housing Targets Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community – Will Gatlinburg Step Up or Step Aside?

Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community, the largest group of independent artisans in North America, may soon have a new neighbor. The Glades Road loop that houses the popular tourist attraction has attracted the attention of a developer looking to cash in on the low income tax credit program that is offered by the Tennessee Housing […]
TBI Investigates Detective’s Testimony

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation revealed Wednesday afternoon that they are launching an investigation into Detective Floyd Rodney Burns of the Gatlinburg Police Department. Josh DeVine, a representative with the TBI, stated, “We are only confirming the District Attorney General has requested TBI Agents investigate a perjury allegation involving Rodney Burns. We will conduct the investigation and submit findings […]
Jefferson County Republican Party Hosts Meet The Candidate In Dandridge

The Jefferson County Republican Women Of The Future held a Meet the Candidate event Saturday morning in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse in Dandridge. Both local and state level elected officials were on hand to address the public. Early voting for the March 1st election begins on February 10, 2016 and candidates were out stumping […]