While political protests have brought Turkey and Istanbul, in particular, to the forefront of recent world news, Dean Rice’s photographs reflect a city that bridges rather than divides cultures and reveals the people who bring these cultures to life. Rice has traveled to Turkey twice in the past two years in conjunction with the Knoxville Turkish Alliance and the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce.

Knox County Tim Burchett will preside over the ceremony also sponsored by local Boy Scout Troup #500, Knox County Veteran’s Affairs, and Rolling Thunder Charities.

Nashville's McLemore Auction Company, in cooperation with Atlanta-based Auction Management Corporation, handled the online auction for Mountain Community Bank, a division of Bank of Tennessee.

German-born Chicagoan and World Champion Wheel Master Wolfgang Bientzle announced the event will take place at the North Park University Gymnasium, 3225 W.Foster Ave. Hosted by the USA Wheel Gymnastics Federation and American SOKOL, the championships feature more than 240 athletes from nearly 36 nations.

So opens Rose Houk’s Smoky Mountain Elk: Return of the Native, the newest offering from Great Smoky Mountains Association. Thanks in large part to the scientific efforts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park biologists and the financial support of both GSMA and Friends of the Smokies, this mental image has again taken corporeal form in the East. The elk, once native to the Southeast, have come home, Houk writes.

The International Forum for the Mentougou National Trail is responsible for the promotion and construction of China’s first national trails system. The audience included over 250 forestry and park officials from across Bejing.

The Turkey Creek First Watch will feature a 900-square-foot patio and an interior design that maximizes the natural light provided during the restaurant’s daytime hours – conveying the warm and inviting personality of the First Watch brand.

Farmers markets provide a place where people can buy local, family-farmed foods, grown in a manner that sustains the land and our health.

The hottest farmers market item is Grainger County tomatoes.

When war was declared against Great Britain in 1812, Colonel John Williams (1778-1837) of Knoxville raised a company of volunteers and marched them 600 miles to Georgia to offer their service against the Seminole. The East Tennessee troops represented themselves and the region well and were discharged by the commanding general in February, 1813. Col Williams later served as a colonel under General Andrew Jackson against the Creek Indians in Alabama and the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Although serving together in the war, Jackson and Williams later became bitter political enemies.

“The Smokies natural beauty is so vast, and when the flowers begin to blossom throughout the area, it makes you feel like you’re standing in the middle of a timeless watercolor painting,” said Tami Vater, director of Tourism for the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority. “With so many outdoor activities to choose from in the area, visitors have an array of options when it comes to discovering the Smokies in the springtime.”

Cataloochee is a remote mountain valley on the eastern edge of the Park where remnants of early settlements are preserved. Surrounded by mountain peaks, the isolated valley is a popular, year-round destination.

Children and their families can join in a variety of free, hands-on activities at Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, TN; Cades Cove Visitor Center near Townsend, TN; and Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, NC A few of the natural and cultural opportunities that will be available include Ranger guided walks, historic toy making, opportunity to talk to a real wildland firefighter, the making of dinner bells at a blacksmith shop, and visiting touch tables with animal skins, skulls and scat. Information about specific programs is available at each of the visitor centers.

The Master Woodworkers Show has quietly gained a reputation as a premiere woodworking event in the Southeast, with attendance more than doubling over the last three shows and receiving great reviews from both makers and the public. This three-day event is held every other year in downtown Knoxville. The goal of this biennial show is to highlight the work of craftspeople and artists in East Tennessee and the surrounding region.

In a few short weeks, former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty will lead 175 motorcyclists from Coeur d’Alene, ID to Tempe, AZ to raise money for chronically ill children. The Smiths, long-time motorcycle enthusiasts who couldn’t afford the cost of the Charity Ride, will take part in the 7-day journey thanks to the “Angel Rider,” David Andreas.

The three-day event begins with a concert of Celtic music by Four Leaf Peat on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee.

The novel tells the story of Gráinne O'Connor, a widow, charged with the murder of two IRA volunteers who were freed from prison under the 1998 Belfast Peace Agreement.

On September 6, 2012 my daughter, son-in-law, their dear German friend Neal began our drive from Southwest Germany to Bavarian Germany.

The main focus of the Dogwood Arts Festival are the region’s spectacular dogwood trees. The Dogwood Trails showcase over 60 miles of breathtaking landscaping, flowers, and blossoming trees. The scenery is available for touring and photography, compliments of the homeowners.

Larry and Brenda Thompson have amassed a remarkable collection of art by African Americans from around the nation. The strength of the Thompson’s collecting process lies in their considered attention to artists who have typically not been recognized in the traditional narratives of African American art.

Filmed on the Yellowstone River in the summer of 2011, Where The Yellowstone Goes hosted its world premiere to a sold-out audience in Bozeman, Montana last May after having debuted the previous month at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

The Second Amendment does not grant a new right for the citizens, rather it recognizes and provides in writing ‘a new security’, as Justice Wilson stated, to the existing rights God had already conferred on His creation and confirmed in legal commentaries that undergird American law.

The tournament this past weekend was hosted at the River Islands Golf Club in Kodak, TN.

While the team didn’t fare as well as last year in the overall competition in which they placed fifth, the team did perform significantly better in two events and won the Sportsmanship Award for the third time in four years.

Uncle Bud played in a bluegrass band for 16 years touring the country with various bands and country music artists. For five years he performed with Uncle Bud’s ‘Lectro Wood Experience.

Wesley House will purchase from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley the Laura Cansler facility at 1719 Reynolds Street. This move will allow Wesley House to triple enrollment in its education-based after-school program and the Boys & Girls Clubs to embark on a new service model for its young clients.

The production marks the Playhouse return of Nathaniel after a National tour as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, in addition to his performances as Jean Valjean in the recent Les Mis touring company.

The DINER, located on Highway 66 in Sevierville, will once again host The Shamrock Saturday Cruisin' for Food. Beginning at 12:00 noon vehicles will begin cruising from Smokies Stadium to THE DINER where trucks will be waiting to receive the food and transport donations to the two pantries. The majority of the food will go to Sevier County Food Ministries as they serve the broader needs of the community.

Using a theme of "Fate and Fortune," members of the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association (SMSA) will present stories of humor and history based on culture and heritage of the Smoky Mountains. The event is a fundraiser for SMSA programs in schools and communities.

“Storytellers are artists, creating videos in your imagination. They touch your heart or tickle your funny bone,” says SMSA President Janice Brooks-Headrick. “There’s nothing like live storytelling performance. Its hard to define because each storyteller has their own way of expressing, in their own voice, and quite often, their own stories.

"This is a great honor," says Dr. Gary Sousa, UT Director of Bands. "The American Bandmasters Association is the most prestigious band association in the world. I hope many come to our ‘send-off’ concert this coming Sunday to support and hear this outstanding student ensemble.”

Under the direction of Sousa, UT's Wind Ensemble will share this honor with Florida State University, University of Georgia, and the U.S. Coast Guard Band.

Lifelong storyteller Cuz Headrick will be spinning a few tales at World Storytelling Day in Gatlinburg, TN.

Using a theme of "Fate and Fortune," members of the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association (SMSA) will present stories of humor and history based on culture and heritage of the Smoky Mountains. The event is a fundraiser for SMSA programs in schools and communities.

“Storytellers are artists, creating videos in your imagination. They touch your heart or tickle your funny bone,” says SMSA President Janice Brooks-Headrick. “There’s nothing like live storytelling performance. Its hard to define because each storyteller has their own way of expressing, in their own voice, and quite often, their own stories. Please, come, experience it.”

The landslide caused a 200 linear foot gap in the road. Debris from the slide ran 900 yards (3 times the length of a football field) and contained 90,000 cubic yards of material.

Hosted by the Talley Ho Inn in Townsend, it has been designed to be more than just a motorcycle show. This will be a family-friendly event. Activities will be held at the Talley Ho Inn show grounds and in various other places in the Townsend area.

A swap meet, vendors, guided sightseeing rides, raffles, entertainment, and much more has been planned for all ages.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee will close five campgrounds and picnic areas affecting over 54,000 visitors. Additionally, the reduction in staff will result in reduced road maintenance and increased time for emergency responses to activities such as accidents, rockslides, ice, and hazardous tree removal for more than 35,000 vehicles per day on several heavily travelled routes in the Cades Cove area as well as the thoroughfares between Gatlinburg, TN and Pigeon Forge, TN and between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC.

The Clarion is franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world's largest lodging companies. The hotel has just been named number four in the Best Service in America category and 23rd for Best Service worldwide by TripAdvisor in its 2013 Travelers' Choice® awards.

High waters destroyed the pedestrian bridge at the entrance to the Chimney Tops Trail. The 70-foot long pedestrian bridge, originally built in the late 1950s, will have to be entirely replaced to allow trail access.

The "Roadshow" features 70 expert appraisers specializing in 20 categories to assess guests' items. Each ticketholder must bring one item for appraisal, but can bring up to two antiques.

The RMS Titanic sailed with 2,208 people on board – 133 of them were children. These were Titanic's littlest heroes. What they saw, heard and felt from the moment they boarded the ship has been documented and visualized for the first time anywhere by the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and in Branson, Missouri.

With Susano's election, the three Tennessee appellate courts – the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Court of Criminal Appeals – all are headed up by individuals whose chambers are located in the Historic U.S. Post Office and Court House on Main Street in Knoxville.

APAC -Atlantic, Harrison Division will complete the first phase of work on the road to develop an access road to the slide area, remove debris, and stabilize the slope above the work area.

EnergyRight Solutions for Higher Education helps colleges and universities understand and track their campus energy use and educate the next generation of energy consumers to make smart energy choices through hands-on projects and additions to existing curriculum.

The show has been selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events for 2013.

Wild Goose is patterned after the Greenbelt festival which has taken place in England for over 20 years. The event will take place August 8-11, 2013 in Hot Springs, North Carolina near Asheville.

The event comprises a weekend-long film competition, screening and networking. Over 500 independent filmmakers and their families are expected to attend this year's screenings.

Acting Deputy Superintendent Allen Sumerski stated "The landslide was due to heavy rainfall causing saturation to the soil along with a lateral spring running through the area."

Fritz Massaquoi is a resident multi-media artist in the Emporium and a fixture in Knoxville's arts community. His artistic talents include vibrant paintings of African village life, colorful abstractions inspired by his interest in modern dance, weavings, embroidered African clothing, and more.

Noah Kravitz, a mobile expert and founder of the new consumer buyer's guide FutureSmarter.com, believes that the wireless industry is going to see a boom in convenience and speed over the next year. Wireless providers, device manufacturers, app developers and network service providers are all working to offer consumers a greater range of flexibility than ever before, whether it is in the form of payment, upgraded devices or network connectivity.

Knox County Public Library is offering family programs at 10:30 a.m. every Saturday at Lawson McGhee Library, Cedar Bluff Branch Library, Fountain City Branch Library, and Powell Branch Library. Saturday Stories and Songs helps families develop literacy and pre-literacy skills in a fun environment. Stories, music, rhyming, finger play and engaging the imagination are all part of developing a love of reading and learning.

The first book to launch the new series is The Signal and the Noise: Why most predictions fail, but some don't by Nate Silver, at noon on Wednesday, January 16 at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street. The discussion will be led by the City of Knoxville's Deputy to the Mayor and Chief Policy Officer Dr. William Lyons.

This year's event will feature the best and biggest RV dealers in the state of Tennessee and claim the title as being Tennessee's largest RV show. The show has grown so large over the last 12 months, show officials had to expand into the Event Center lobby area to make way for over a mile of RV's.

The topic will be The role of Knoxville in the Civil War: What civilian life was like in a city of divided loyalties from 1861 to 1865, including the role of the Ramsey Family during that time.

In Knoxville a family-friendly, alcohol-free event, First Night® is a New Year's Eve community celebration of the arts. You can enjoy music, dance, theatre, storytelling, artists & more at 10 different downtown venues. There will be special children's activities and Market Square District businesses are staying open late. You'll find plenty of food vendors, rides, and amusements.

Gatlinburg will welcome 2013 with its 25th Annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show. Prior to the ball drop, popular musical entertainment will fill the streets of downtown Gatlinburg. Many restaurants and attractions are offering special celebrations.

Designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major label record company, Unsigned Only's goal is to find an outstanding, talented performing artist: a band, singer, or solo artist...a newcomer or veteran...raw or polished - the "gem" that needs to be discovered.

Hiking in the Smokies enables hikers to experience nature in ways that driving in a vehicle over mountain roads does not provide. Cascading streams, wildflowers, the scent of evergreens and the sounds of birds are best seen and experienced away from roads.

The National Park Service maintains 800 miles of trails in the Park.

The next Jazz Lunch concert will take place on Wednesday, January 2nd, from noon to 1pm. Trumpeter Thomas Heflin will present a "Tribute to Freddie Hubbard". Heflin will be joined by William Boyd (tenor saxophone), Gabe Osborne (trombone), Keith Brown (piano), Clint Mullican (bass), and Kenneth Brown (drums).

The new plate bears a picture of Gibson Guitar Foundation's ES335 guitar and proclaims Tennessee as "The State of American Music".

"Tennessee faces a decision this week about health insurance exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act.

"I'm not a fan of the law ...

Park staff and volunteers will provide hands-on traditional craft demonstrations from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children and adults will have the opportunity to make a corn shuck doll, buzz button, and cinnamon ornament to take home. Visitors will be encouraged to make a cinnamon ornament to hang on the visitor center tree for years to come.

Festival of Christmas Past is an annual celebration of the culture of the Smoky Mountains, with an emphasis on the Christmas season.

The new apparatus is a 2012 Viper Quint, a 78-foot multi-purpose truck constructed on a Spartan Chassis. It was manufactured in South Dakota by Rosenbauer, the largest manufacturer of fire apparatus in the United States.

Seven high school seniors at South-Doyle have enrolled in an innovative, one-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) course that will give them the opportunity to become a licensed firefighter and guarantee them a job as a Rural-Metro reserve firefighter.

Thousands of people gathered in downtown Gatlinburg Wednesday night for the Smoky Mountain Winterfest event which featured live entertainment including The Beat 64, more than 20 vendors serving up pots of steamy chili, and hot chili eating contests.

Tennessee Williams was a trailblazing playwright who brought a realism and a sensitivity to the American stage that had not existed before.

ChristianMingle.com alone claims a membership of over 7 million Christian singles seeking members of the opposite sex for romantic relationships and possible marriage. Find out why a large percentage of these members are most likely not single, people running ponzi schemes, or non-Christian.

Led by Natalie Hansen, this month's lecture is "Immigrants to East Tennessee, 1845-1925". Learn more about the second large wave of immigrants that took place between 1845-1925.

The decoration contest is a popular event in the Smoky Mountains with many Gatlinburg business participating by placing elaborate fall displays consisting of pumpkins, hay bales, fall flowers, corn stalks, scarecrows, and more.

A new web-based portal, mySummit, allows patients of Summit Medical Group physicians to request medication refills, schedule an appointment, pay bills, or ask billing or clinical questions all from the comfort of their own computer device.

A Maryville, TN school was one of the winners which included three schools and one school district. The school received a $10,000 award for dramatically improving student achievement.

Located only 40 miles outside of Knoxville, Windswept offers the beauty and tranquility of country living.

TVA was recognized as a recipient of the prestigious Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR www.freedomaward.mil/HomeView.aspx) Freedom Award in a ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

Calling them "mistakes" may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment. Yet whether they result from ignorance or fate, we need to be aware of them as we plan for and enter retirement.

This non-profit organization uses community resources offered by churches and synagogues, local and state government agencies, the arts and crafts community, local businesses, educational institutions, and health, housing & financial institutions to help one person at a time to establish change and stability in their life. Through these efforts CONNECT's intent is to encourage purpose, cooperation, and accountability between Knoxville's citizens.

Participating in this Fall concert will be the Knoxville Choral Society, Knoxville Chamber Chorale, Carson Newman A Cappella Choir, members of the Knoxville Symphony, and folk musicians.

The public is invited to attend this special event. U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander will be the featured speaker.

My son-in-law, Logan, serves in the United States Force. He is stationed in Germany where he and my daughter, Rebecca, live in a very lovely village.

I flew into Frankfurt, Germany from the U.S. for a three week visit which was to include a getaway to Paris and various parts of Germany, including Trier, Kaisersloutern, Ramstein AFB, and Dachau.

We had decided to find a B&B close to France so that we could experience the countryside and warm hospitality. Our travel experiences usually include the mom and pop businesses because we appreciate the wonderful service they offer in a home-like environment. They are also more affordable and gracious.

My son-in-law, Logan, is enlisted in the United States Air Force in Germany. He and my daughter, Rebecca, live in Southwest Germany. I flew into Frankfurt, Germany from the U.S. on August 20 to spend three weeks with them. Logan had requested and was granted leave from August 26 through 29.

We realized our time in Paris would be short, but we knew if we could make it to the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower, we would be able to impress our friends and family with great pictures of Paris.

After traveling for years as a street performer, Ian Thomas began playing clubs in New York City, where he recorded his debut album "A Young Man's Blues" and his follow-up "Live at Rockwood Music Hall." Since then, he has shared the stage with Taj Mahal, John Hammond, Corey Harris, Dr. John, Sam Bush, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and The Avett Brothers.

Soul Connection is the band that holds the single-show attendance record at Alive After Five.

Performances at "Alive After Five" feature two great groups in September. The Smoky Mountain Heritage Center brings bluegrass and Irish music on stage. The Knoxville Symphony and the Knoxville Jazz Band have exceptional music performances planned, and the magestic organ at the historic Tennessee Theatre will be played once again by a renowned artist.

Penny Performances provide every child in Knox County, including home-schooled and private-schooled students, an opportunity to attend local arts and culture events/activities by nearly 30 organizations at the maximum cost of ONE PENNY when accompanied by one paying adult during the 2012/2013 academic school year.

Compton is a native Tennessean and a 1983 graduate of the University of Tennessee.

This year's theme is "Celebrate Our Appalachian Musical Roots." World renown hit makers and singer/songwriters will fill venues with ongoing performances in downtown Gatlinburg, August 23rd – August 25th. The public is invited to enjoy these great performances and most of the venues are free admission.

On Sunday, September 2, 2012 Neyland Drive at Volunteer Landing will feature live music, great food, and the biggest boom in the nation. Festivities start at 1:00 p.m. and end with the largest Labor Day fireworks show in the Nation which begin at 9:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, September 11, the Tennessee Valley Fair will host Down on the Farm at the Fair at Chilhowee Park. Designed especially for children, (Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade) this free educational event offers 8 interactive stations.

Kids in grades 1-12 can team up with a parent, grandparent, sibling or mentor and compete against other teams in a series of fun challenges patterned after the show The Amazing Race. Whether you run, jog, walk or watch, it'll be an experience you will never forget. It's way more fun than a 5K and will be held rain or shine.

Knoxville writer, Martha Rose Woodward, takes the reader on a journey of the life cycle of watermelon with rhyming verses that teach as well as delight, while having fun with the rule in her new book: No Spitting Watermelon Seeds.

Thrilling rides, tasty corn dogs, the aroma of onions frying, funnel cakes, concerts, over 3,000 contests, agricultural exhibits, and much more fill 11 days at the Fair.

Santander infiltrated the US banking industry and purchased loans from much smaller lenders in 2008-2009. Upon purchasing the loans, Santander then changed the due date on the loans without notifying consumers causing the loans to be late every month for several years without consumer knowledge.

As a result, thinking they had made a final payment on their loan, consumers were not notified that they owed several thousand dollars in additional interest fees. If the loan was for a vehicle, Santander waited a few weeks after the final payment on the loan was made then repossessed the vehicle without notifying the consumer.

There have been 3,888 closed complaints against Santander with the Better Business Bureau in Santander's US home office town of Dallas, Tx in the last 3 years. J. D. Powers ranks Santander at the bottom of the banking industry. Santander is known as the worst bank in Great Britain.

Thirteen regional artisans featured their work at the exhibition, which ranged from watercolors, oils and pastels to pottery, photography and woodcarvings. The theme of Friday's event was "A Blessed Land," with all artwork reflecting the beauty of America.

Robert A. Tino will exhibit some of his newest releases at The Gallery on Main Street, Friday, August 3.
Exhibiting artists include Robert A. Tino, Aurora Bull, Gordon Brugman, Judy Brater, Mike Oliver, and Gayla D. Seale.

Robert A. Tino, whose expressions of the Smoky Mountains have amazed people throughout the world, will showcase some of his newest releases today at The Gallery at Main Street in downtown Knoxville.

The theme of the exhibition, "A Blessed Land," will feature the bounty and beauty of America through 12 different regional artists. Media represented includes photography, woodcarvings, watercolors, pottery, oils, and acrylics.

The third annual benefit event is to raise money for the Knox Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative (KAPPI).

Samples on the Square will feature selected specialties from 11 Market Square eateries for an admission price of $50 per person.

The exhibit will be on view at the East Tennessee History Center, Knoxville through July 29, 2012.

The event will open at the 66,000 square foot Wild Water Dome Water Park at the hotel.

Governor Bill Haslam will give his annual address to the tourism industry during the conference and Commissioner Susan Whitaker will deliver the State of the Industry Address and Department of Tourist Development Presentation.

Incredibly, both men lived up to a vow they had each made years earlier. Jefferson had vowed he would live to see the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

We have the time and power now to make this important review.

The storm took the lives of two people inside the park. A 41 year old lady from Corryton, Tennessee died when a tree fell on her and 3 other people near the Abrams Creek Campground. A biker was killed when a falling limb struck him on the head. Other people who were inside the park when the storm hit were seriously injured and flown to nearby medical centers by helicopter while some were taken by ambulance.

Emporium Center Balcony
The Arts & Culture Alliance will present a new group exhibition featuring six regional artists opening Friday, July 6, at 5:00 PM in the Balcony of the Emporium Center.

Tennessee Art to be featured at The Gallery on Main Street
The Gallery at Main Street in downtown Knoxville is featuring Tennessee art at its First Friday art exhibition to be held on July 6, 2012.

It was a goal of Hafter and Jim Estelita, co-coaches of the Dynamite, and the rest of the team members who hail from a town of 41,000 in the San Francisco Bay Area, to be selected to the bi-annual event. But because the 240 teams selected for the National Games are determined by a lottery system, it was one goal they knew they had no control over.

UT's Center for Sport, Peace and Society has been awarded a $1.2 million cooperative agreement to implement the Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative.

Why is there such emphasis on small business and their success? If one considers that small businesses comprise the bulk of new private sector employment, then it is easy to see why those who venture into business ownership are so vitally important to our economy.

Andres Linares, 31, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was sentenced to serve 124 months in prison; Manuel Perez Burelo, 35, of Kingsport, Tennessee, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison; and Pablo Jose Pacheco, 49, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison, for their involvement in this vast conspiracy operating in the Tri-Cities area of East Tennessee. Linares, Burelo, and Pacheco are all in the country illegally from Mexico and will be deported after serving their sentences.

Four public swimming pools have tested positive for WNV in the east, south, and west areas of Knoxville.

Spraying is scheduled for Thursday, June 21, 9 p.m. to midnight. Signs will be erected in the affected areas to alert residents, who are asked to stay inside during spraying and to keep pets inside or in the back yard. Follow up spraying will be done on Thursday, July 5, 9 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting.

The company has been quickly adding restaurants to its network of over 600 trail center locations throughout the United States. Another 23 restaurants will open by the end of this year, including four new Moe's Southwest Grill restaurants.

The Martin family has a unique story of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and of their continuing journey as believers.

Frog & Toad's Dixie Stomp specializes in performing authentic, energetic renditions of classic Dixieland, Gypsy Jazz and original music.

On Wednesday, June 20, Dr. John Nolt, UT Professor of Philosophy, will talk about the symptoms and the necessary steps to a cure for the health of our environment based on his book A Land Imperiled: The Declining Health of the Southern Appalachian Bioregion.

As the author of The Longest Raid of the Civil War, Horwitz has written the definitive text on Morgan's famous raid that chronicles the human events, civilian and military confrontations that unfolded as General John Hunt Morgan led 2,500 Confederate cavalry through Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio on a raid that would cover more than 1,000 miles.

"The anthology offers works that share the flavor of East Tennessee," Joe Rector, local columnist and novelist, said. Rector is one of four scheduled contributors and will read his short story, "Cousins."

On June 14, Gardner shared his story at a ceremony hosted at Samaritan Place to observe the facility's 14th anniversary and raise awareness of elder abuse during National Elder Abuse Prevention Month in June. Samaritan Place provides shelter and intensive case management for seniors in a housing crisis for a variety of reasons. Some seniors at Samaritan Place, like Gardner, have experienced neglect. Others have been taken advantage of, mistreated or even abused.

The trail runs 465 miles from Knoxville and will travel throughout Anderson, Campbell, Clay, Fentress, Knox, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Roane, and Scott Counties.

Massey, the Republican elected last year to fill the 6th District seat previously held by Jamie Woodson, said she was proud to have supported legislation in the 2nd session of the 107th General Assembly that included a fiscally responsible and balanced state budget, tax relief, major initiatives to curb prescription and synthetic drug abuse, job growth and measures to improve education.

Amidst a backdrop of Smoky Mountain splendor, all concerts will be held in the center's covered outdoor amphitheater at 7:00 p.m.

National Park Service Special Agents continued to investigate the case over the weekend. They worked with the victim and a forensic artist to create a sketch of the suspect.

The victim was on a trail close to the Sugarlands area. She was able to escape her attacker and make her way from the trail to Highway 441 where she flagged down a visitor who reported the incident to park dispatch at 2:43 p.m.

Chuy's features hand-rolled tortillas and margaritas made with fresh-squeezed lime juice, quality service, and eclectic décor, which includes an Elvis Presley Shrine and dog wall.

"Until a few years ago this giant forest in the mountainous north of Mozambique was known only to local villagers; it did not feature on maps nor, it is believed, in scientific collections or literature. But after "finding" the forest on a Google Earth internet map, a British-led team of scientists has returned from what is thought to be the first full-scale expedition into the canopy. Below the trees, which rise 45m above the ground, they discovered land filled with astonishingly rich biodiversity." – Juliette Jowitt, The Observer.

To encourage families to read 20 minutes each day this summer, a book will be featured as the "Book of the Month" on the First Lady's Read20 Family Book Club website, www.tn.gov/read20, where children and families of all ages can participate and access fun, family engagement ideas, reading activities and tips.

The Gallery at Main Street, located at First Baptist Church in downtown Knoxville, is featuring 14 regional artisans at its inaugural art exhibition on June 1.

The exhibition will feature mostly floral art. Mediums represented will include watercolors, oils, stained glass, acrylics, quilts, steel, photography, woodcarvings, and pottery.

Three commissioned artisans, Darlene Bakos, Jim Reed, and Mike Oliver, will be exhibiting.

Shuttle service to the showing is still on schedule for June 2-10 for those who have reserved a ticket. However, park biologists indicate although there may still be some activity during the weekend of June 2, the display will be past peak and may taper off significantly well before the weekend of June 9-10.

On Friday, June 1, the homes will commemorate with living history demonstrations, free tours, quilt demonstrations, and Civil War museum tours.

You are guaranteed to enjoy some of the best talent in the area, along with two outstanding acts from Chicago, while enjoying the beauty of the Nolichucky Vineyard on the banks of the beautiful Nolichucky River.

The Railroad offers a variety of scenic, round-trip excursions departing from Bryson City. Trips range from 3-1/2 hours to a full day of fun and adventure.

The Nantahala Gorge Excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back again. Travel the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers across Fontana Lake and into the magic of the Nantahala Gorge.

Most of us do what we do for the wrong reason(s). Most of us ask the wrong questions and listen to the wrong advice. Take the following as examples of what we hear and often consider "smart":

A wide variety of military memorabilia is being displayed, including uniforms, photographs, letters, medals, and special gear.

Sections of the museum include the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army.

"It was strange," said Trevino. "I had seen nobody else in the facility so it was odd that an entire set of supplies would be left."

Sandwiches may be the traditional way to serve up this favorite but, once prepared, pulled pork can be enjoyed throughout the week in grilled quesadillas, pastas and even savory pies. World champion pitmaster Chris Lilly's Grilled Pork Pie puts a fun spin on a backyard classic, when paired with a creamy slaw.

Misty Mayes, President and Founder of Management Solutions, LLC (MSLLC) received the award from the SBA.

Ten (10) special students who will graduate from high school in 2016 will be chosen to be a part of the Youth Leadership Class of 2016. Beginning this summer, these students will participate in a series of educational expeditions and opportunities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that will culminate with the National Park Service centennial in 2016. Tremont is working with schools and youth organizations to publicize the program and identify the students.

These grilling recipes were created by chefs from all over the country who participated in the Choice Steak Challenge to find out who has the best steak-grilling chops.

Running from May 29th through June 23rd, the Knoxville Youth Athletics Program exposes kids to the fundamentals of track and field. "Our goal for the program is to teach the basic skills most prevalent in the sport of track and field: running, jumping and throwing," said Marty Sonnenfeldt, Knoxville Youth Athletics Director. "Our program is conducted with an emphasis on fun and fitness."

The deadline to register your team for the race is June 11, 2012.

This full day family event celebrates the cultural heritage of the area and features recreational opportunities in the Cosby section of the Park. Families are encouraged to attend, and take some time to learn more about old time toys and traditional mountain crafts. This year children and families are invited to make their own rag doll and button whizzer to take home.

Knox Heritage has planned a lot of wonderful events for our area.

Cervone is currently the managing director of the Clarence Brown Theatre where he was the principal administrator. He managed the academic and production aspects of the theatre and kept the theatre moving towards its operational, fiscal, artistic and philosophical goals.

A man and woman, both from Newport, Tennessee, reported that at approximately 4:25 p.m., while they were sitting in their vehicle at an overlook, they were confronted by two subjects dressed in dark clothing and wearing ski masks.

A group of area investors has created www.YourRaceCar.com to sponsor Bayne's #60 Roush Fenway at the Bristol night event on August 25. Through the website, the public can purchase space on the car for a name or photo. Sponsorships range from $20 to $1,900.

Athletes will compete in either the Olympic Rev (.9 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run) or Half Rev (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run).

Paddlers have their choice of four canoe and kayaking races: 80 mile, 46 mile, 28 mile, or 5 mile. Events are open to all paddle, peddle, and stand-up paddlers alike.

Hands-on activities for children and their families will be held at Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, TN; Cades Cove Visitor Center near Townsend, TN; and Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, NC. Activities planned will range from ranger guided walks and programs to making dinner bells at a blacksmith shop. Making historic toys, cornhusk dolls, and visiting touch tables with animal skins, skulls, and scat are a few of the natural and cultural opportunities that will be available. Information on the specific programs is available at each visitor center.

Summitt was initiated into Chi Omega in 1971 at The University of Tennessee-Martin. During her 40 years of membership she has spoken at local and national events for the fraternity.

The trail will be closed Monday through Thursday from Monday, April 30 through Thursday, October 18.

Forbes shows men's annual earnings in Knoxville to be $61,813 while women's are $38,376, creating a gender wage gap of 38%.

The entire weekend will feature performances of traditional music in nearby towns of Townsend and Cosby. A full day of free music will also be held at the Sugarlands Visitor Center on April 21st.

George Stephen Russell, age 65, pleaded guilty on October 17, 2011 to knowingly possessing child pornography that had been transported in interstate and foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.

Kimberly is a white female with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is 3'0" tall and weighs 33 lbs. She was last seen wearing pajamas. Isaiah is a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes he is 2'6" tall and weighs 25 lbs. He was last seen wearing dark shorts and a dark shirt.

Blood played an important part at Passover. It was by the blood of the lamb that the people of Israel had been set free from captivity. During the celebration of Passover, thousands of unblemished lambs were taken to the temple. Each lamb was carried by three men. One man did the throat slitting and skinning and two men assisted. The blood was then collected in basins by a line of priests who sprinkled it on the altar, symbolically returning to God life; the blood which belonged to him.

Blood played an important part at Passover. It was by the blood of the lamb that the people of Israel had been set free from captivity. During the celebration of Passover, thousands of unblemished lambs were taken to the temple. Each lamb was carried by three men. One man did the throat slitting and skinning and two men assisted. The blood was then collected in basins by a line of priests who sprinkled it on the altar, symbolically returning to God life; the blood which belonged to him.

Urijah, along with his mother, was kidnapped by his non-custodial father, Daniel Keene. Keene took the mother to Bristol, Virginia and released her but fled with Urijah.

Urijah, along with his mother, was kidnapped by his non-custodial father, Daniel Keene. Keene took the mother to Bristol, Virginia and released her but fled with Urijah.

There is an active order of protection against the father for both subjects.

Keene is a 42 year-old male with red hair and blue eyes. He is 5'7" tall and weighs 160 lbs. He was last seen driving a silver 2000 Ford Mustang with Tennessee Tag 811WZR. The driver's side window is broken out. He also has tattoos on his back left calf and right calf.

Warrants are being issued at this time for Aggravated Kidnapping. If you have information on either subject, please call the Bristol Police Department at 423-989-5600 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Last year, 430 attendees from 17 states packed the Knoxville Convention Center for the first Social Slam. This sell-out event gained national attention, brought in nationally acclaimed speakers and put Knoxville on the social media map.

Two tours will be offered. The Morning Tour, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., begins at Blount Mansion, 200 W. Hill Avenue, www.blountmansion.org, and includes visits to Marble Springs Historic Farmstead, www.marblesprings.net, and Crescent Bend House & Gardens www.crescentbend.com. The Afternoon Tour, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., begins at James White's Fort, 205 E. Hill Avenue, www.jameswhitesfort.org, and includes visits to Mabry-Hazen House, www.mabryhazen.com, and Ramsey House Plantation, www.ramseyhouse.org.

To get that chance to win much-needed funds to help save more animal lives in East Tennessee, Young-Williams needs the community to vote for the animal center every day from April 5-16 at www.votetosavelives.org. Young-Williams is the official animal shelter for Knox County and the City of Knoxville

The trick to nailing down your social media strategy is engaging your fans. If there's not an opportunity for users to talk to you, they're not going to. You have to provide an outlet for them to communicate, give them a reason to engage and make them excited to come back. Like the perfect golf swing, good social media strategies also have a formula.

Knoxville residents David Hearn and son, Chris Hearn have decided to open a Barberitos location in Knoxville in the Bearden area after frequenting the Barberitos in Johnson City. The new store will be located at 215 Brookview Towncenter. The Southwestern Grille will offer free wireless for customers.

The event, taking place on Wednesday, April 4, at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park, will feature 36 agencies and organizations with information for veterans on a number of resources, including VA claim assistance, vocational rehabilitation, education, employment, mental health, housing and business loans.

This year's spring series will present six shows featuring an eclectic mix of musical genres, all performed by bands from East Tennessee.

Ottway was a music performer for over 40 years in classical orchestras and ensembles, weddings, bluegrass bands, Scottish and Irish events, church music, funerals, Folk festivals, local nursing homes and retirement centers, and Civil War programs.