Forks Of The River Cemetery Walk
Go back in Sevier County History, Civil War and More
Passing the Forks Of The River Cemetery almost daily, I have over time wondered about the few stones that lie beneath the flags. There seemed so few stones that I thought it to be a private family cemetery. It appears by “The Mountain Press” article that there is at least 200 souls that came to rest in that small cemetery by the river.
Saturday, Nov 14th from 1pm-2pm, a FREE Forks of the Little Pigeon River Cemetery Walk. Sponsored by the Spencer Clack Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the event will portray some of the known inhabitants of the cemetery.
Many of the stones are weathered and much is lost from their surface. The diligent efforts of family members, DAR and the Sevier County Public Library Genealogy have made it possible for visitors to learn things about some of the Sevier County’s early settlers and George McMahan, a black Civil War veteran having served in the First United States Colored Troops Artillery unit. The program will begin with the playing of bagpipes and end with a rendition of Taps. Parking is limited, however the very close Mountain National Bank has been kind enough to open their parking lot.
Cutest Dog Competition Miss Ellie
Miss Ellie performed at the Comedy Barn, Pigeon Forge Tennessee. - The Comedy Barn, well known for utilizing animals from the local Sevier County Humane Society to perform in their live performances, invited local businesses and Sevier County locals to see Miss Ellie and others in action.
A tribute to Miss Ellie’s current success in having made the Top 5 in the “Cutest Dog Competition” and a Thank You to Sevier County. They wished thanks to all those having taken the time to vote for Miss Ellie, the many supporting contributions to her campaign as well the Sevier County Humane Society efforts.
Miss Ellie made it as the Top 5th selection with the support of her community. Having witnessed the extensive efforts made by so many throughout Sevier county, it comes to prove why this is one of the greatest places to live in Tennessee. Sevier County ralleyed around a great cause. They can hold their heads high for having united to the cause of Miss Ellie and others like her.
Veteran Returns A Thank You
Thank You Rylee Jo Maples And Many Others!
As a military veteran I am often touched when attending numerous local shows year after year in the local Pigeon Forge Smoky Mountains area. Sometimes I find myself wiping tears of gratitude and remembrance. The fact these shows take the time to recognize the sacrifices made by the country’s military never grows old.
One of the lucky ones, after a 20.5 year career, I returned home. Some of my shipmates, fellow Marines and Army faired not as well. Even when not faced with gunfire or other seemingly insurmountable circumstances, the military is a hard life that not all are cut out for. Separation is hard, missing major family altering events, spending extreme hours under extreme pressure are only a few items each military member faces daily. We ask not for pity or re-ward, but it makes us feel better when others recognize the sacrifices we choose to bear. We took an oath to God and Country, despite our likes or dislikes of particular policies and leaders, we held true to our oath! We believe in our country and the need to defend the freedoms given by our forefathers.
Rylee Jo Maples, age 11 of Maryville Tennessee, took the time to recognize her grandfather, a Vietnam Vet, as well as ALL other military. Her little letter made it into the local paper, ”The Mountain Press.” Needless to say this small act of gratitude touched my heart, the memories of many years spent serving beside some of the greatest Americans, and how important it is just to hear a kind ”Thank You” especially from one so young. Rylee Jo Maples, thank you for having touched me this Veterans Day!
USN(Ret) ITC Charles Rhodes
Veterans Recognized With FREE Meals
Tennessee Smoky Mountain Veterans Recognized By Local Restaurants
Honoring military veterans on Veterans Day has been made special by the Johnson family owned restaurants. The Smoky Mountains area family owned restaurants Alamo Steakhouse , Bennett’s BBQ , Mama’s Farmhouse will provide a FREE meal for Active Duty Military and Veterans. Military Family Members also enjoy a 20% discount, November 11th! Call (865) 429-0082 if you have questions.
Smoky Mountains area Golden Corral’s will offer Veterans and Active Military a FREE meal. This is a annual Veteran’s Day event. The offer is valid from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. November 16th, Monday.
First time seeing Applebees participating for Military Veteran in http://www.applebees.com/vetsday/
Christmas Wonderland Lights Display Smokies Stadium Sevierville TN
Smokies Stadium, next to I-40 Exit 407, Sevierville Tennessee, will be having a drive-through lighted Christmas display from November 6th until January 2nd.
Fully computerized LED lighted displays will adorn the route along with holiday tunes. The route is nearly a mile long and lasts approximately 20 minutes. Hours are 6p.m.-10p.m. daily. Admission as follows:
- $10 per car Monday -Friday, $15 Saturday and Sunday
- $20 per activity van
- $30 per limo
- $65 per bus
Proceeds will benefit area food ministries. Call (423)652-0120 for any additional questions.
Tennessee Smoky Mountains Area News
Duggar Family Pigeon Forge Tennessee- The Duggar family, form TLC’s 18 Kids and Counting, flipped the switch for the cermonial lighting of the Pigeon Forge Winterfest lights. They will be attending the ever popular “Cowboy Church” ,at Country Tonite Theater, this Sunday.
If you can’t make it to Country Tonite’s “Cowboy Church,” look up their live broadcast http://smokymountaincowboychurch.com/ or on satellite radio.
Kodak Tennessee - Kodak Library will host two free teen movies. The movie “Smoke Signals” will show Nov. 7th, this Saturday, 2p.m. while Walt Disney’s “Pocahontas” will show Nov 21st at 2p.m. . Interesting is, ”Smoke Signals” was the first film written, directed, and acted completely by American Indians.
Dolly Parton- BBC Series On Faith. Dolly will join with Tony Blair, England’s former Prime Minister, on a BBC series that will explore the roles in which belief plays in the lives of high-profile figures. Dolly Partonwill share how she balances her flirtatious stage image with her religious faith.
Exit 407 Flea Market Get Boost - Sevierville Tennessee - Sevierville brought in more industrial growthto the area, along with this growth is the need to expand the road lanes on Dumplin Valley Rd to 12 feet each way and add 4 foot gravel shoulders on each side. This makes access to the Flea Market easier for Smoky Mountain visitors and deliveries. There was no mention of placing a light at the intersection where Dumplin Valley Rd. and Hwy 66 intersect, but I am sure that will follow shortly, if it doesn’t happen before the road widening.
Christ In The Smokies- Gatlinburg Tennessee - According to The Mountain Press, Christ In The Smokies will offer free admission during November and December. Local residents are asked to bring nonperishable food items or a near new coat for the Sevier County Food Ministries. For more information call (865)436-5155.
Tennessee -Sevierville Heritage Museum Reopens
The Tennessee Sevier County Heritage Museum will reopen its doors downtown Sevierville this Thursday at 4p.m. at 167 Bruce Street.
The building, originally used as a Post Office in 1940, was one of Franklin Roosevelt’s last WPA New Deal projects. The building is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Housed are tributes to the area people of Sevier County, veterans of foreign wars and the Civil War, along with exhibits showing how people made their living in the region, religion, farming, home life and much more.
Entrance is FREE. Open every day, except Wednesday, from noon to 5p.m.. For more information call (865) 453-4058. They are a great resource for genealogy research.
Tennessee Smoky Mountain Area News
Sevierville Tennessee Downtown Parking Lot
Plans have been in the works for sometime to build a multi-story parking lot downtown Sevierville Tennessee. The plans were put on hold partially due to the extra costs demanded by the selected construction company. The plans call for restrooms to be built, landscaping to be added, and now a stage built on top of the restrooms. Guess this is a great way to save space, but sure hope the winds work in favor of the stage.
Sevierville hosts many events, such as the Bloomin Barbecue, each year. They have been held in the Sevier County Court House parking lot and next to the Sevier County Civic Center. Getting a stage for many of these events is surely only a matter of time and money.
Veterans Boulevard Extended
Sevier County’s Public Building Authority (PBA) are busy little beavers. They have their focus on extending Veterans Boulevard from where it currently dumps onto Dolly Parton Parkway and taking it across the river to Robert Henderson Road.
The PBA plans to pay for design of rights of way for all 3 planned phases at once. This will include a section of road that will cut over back to the traffic light on Hwy 66 across from the Sevierville Convention Center.
One of the hold ups is promises from large scaled development projects along the PBA corridor to either resume their construction projects or begin in tandem with the road extension. Much of the tax dollars collected from these businesses is what will help pay back the debts incurred by the Veterans Boulevard extension. One of the key projects they want on board to resume building is the Dumplin Creek development, near Exit 407. Dumplin Creek has gotten WalMart to agree to build, but is looking for more such tenants to anchor the area and make it profitable to build. Efforts are being made by the developer of Dumplin Creek and others to get an Exit 408 constructed.
When construction will actually take place is unsure, however it is sure to come quicker than was expected. The need is there for visitors to the area and the developers alike.
Sevierville Indoor Yard Sale
City of Sevierville is holding an Indoor Yard Sale at the Sevierville Civic Center, 200 Gary R Wade Blvd, Sevierville, TN (865) 453-5441, from 8am to 2pm Saturday Oct 16th. Plenty of booths for your indoor shopping enjoyment!
Smoky Mountains National Park Bear Reduction
As of this writing, Bear Hunting Season is only 2 weeks in and a reported 187 bears have been thinned from the Smokies area, nearly twice as many this time last year. Last year a total of 446 bears were hunted.
Haunted House Kodak
Boys and Girls Club in Kodak will host a Haunted House this Friday and Saturday from 7:30p.m. to 11p.m. at 4125 Douglas Dam Road, Admission is $5. For more info call 933-3718.
New Center Elementary School
The Sevier County School system has closed the deal on 22 acres, on Newport Highway across from Sims Tractors. Despite school funds being down by $700,000. School officials are looking forward to the .25 Sales Tax increase that will add millions annually towards the schools’ capital needs and capital debt payment.
Property values in the area have decreased dramatically, so tax values of properties should decrease. The large numbers of foreclosed investment properties available in the area has forced domicile home values down as well. This of course works great for investors and people who always wished they could live in the Smokies.
Dollywood - American Eagle Foundation
An Eaglet released by the American Eagle Foundation, at Dollywood Theme Park, was spotted in Pennsylvania near Lake Erie. It is great to see that the work they are performing at the American Eagle Foundation. Maybe through their dedicated efforts and valuable supporters, we once again may see American Eagles fly alongside our cars as we journey highways to our vacation destinations. Bravo Zulu, Great Job!
Wild Game Cookout to Benefit United Way
Sevierville Tennessee 407 Wild Game Cookout to Benefit United Way
November 14, 2009, 12-5pm, New Orleans on the River restaurant in Sevierville, TN will host “The 407 Wild Game Cookout” benefiting the United Way of Sevier County.
This event will be an afternoon full of fun, food and friends. Local entertainment from Sevier County and surrounding areas will be on hand all afternoon for your enjoyment. Special guests will be on hand to emcee this grand occasion that will tickle your funny bone as well. An auction of items from area businesses will also be conducted.
A variety of wild game dishes such as Elk, Deer, Fried Turkey and Fried Fish will be served with other traditional dishes. New Orleans on the River is one of the most impressive restaurants in the Sevier County, situated in front of the most majestic views of the Smokies. You are in for an afternoon of great food and drink, along with ample free parking.
Come be apart of this festive occasion celebrating our area’s talent, local cuisine and beautiful landscape while supporting the United Way of Sevier County. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at New Orleans on the River, BB&T Bank on Winfield Dunn Parkway, and from various Sevierville 407 Merchants; Adults $15 and Children 10 & under $ 7.50. Call (865) 933-7244 for additional information or to get your tickets.
The 407 Wild Game Cookout is sponsored by: Lisega Inc., New Orleans on the River, and the Sevierville 407 Merchants Group. All proceeds from the 407 Wild Game Cookout will benefit the United Way of Sevier County and its Community Partners.
Sevier County News - Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville
Former President George Bush will visit Sevierville Tennessee this Wednesday as a guest speaker for the “Celebrate America” Christian conference.
Smoky Mountains has permitted another Bear Hunt season, as of last Friday they had killed 24 Black Bears.
Cades Cove - October 17th the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society and the Park Service will provide powerful telescopes for visitors to view the stars. Visitors are asked to meet at loop road parking area by 7:30, where they will walk a one-eighth field mile to the telescopes. Please bring blankets and chairs. For more information call (865) 448-4104. (As per The Mountain Press)
Pigeon Forge locals, those planning to move to Pigeon Forge, and out-of-state property owners will be pleased to know that the city of Pigeon Forge web site, www.cityofpigeonforge.com, will be getting a much needed face lift after 7 years. A whole lot of bragging was done along withsome ideas of what might come in the future, however little was revealed as to what would happen withthe currently planned changes. Wonder if Pigeon Forge asked area residents and businesses what their needs were for the site to be useful for them in working with the city? Wonder if the city ever thought to form a volunteer committee of area web talent in planning and suggesting effective changes, thus possibly saving the city sorely needed tax dollars?
Open Car-Bike Show - October 10th, Saturday, will be the 12th Annual Smoky Bear Open Car Show and silent auction from 9am - 3pm at the Sevier County High School. The show is open to all year and model cars, motorcycles, and custom vehicles. Viewer admission is FREE. Vehicle Pre-registration is $25 and $10 less with donation of an unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots. More information, call (865) 453-1076 or (865) 933-9019.
Sevierville economy appears to be waking up from the recession slumber - The big development projects are starting to move.
Companies and investment groups like WalMart, Dumplin Creek (Knoxville’s Turkey Creek developer, Goodman Company (out of Florida), and Bridgemont Group have been working behind the scenes, instead of heavy equipment pushing and hauling dirt, appears these entrapaneurs have been digging into the stimulus funds and pushing political buttons to grow Sevier County. Requests for funding for a new intersection along the I-40 408 mile marker have been made and funds sought for even more upgrades to Exit 407. The Goodman Company appears to have purchased lands, across Highway 66 from the Sevierville Events Center, and are working to market that area. Yes sir, this town won’t be the sleepy town it once, Sevierville Tennessee will now be able to contend with her sister cities in drawing a crowd.
By the way, what is Sevierville doing to revitalize its current downtown? So many older smaller cities and towns throughout Tennessee offer antique shops and other unique stores worthy of parking the car and walking through the town, seems downtown Sevierville has been forgotten.
-
Links & Verification
