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Blount County woman casts ballot for the first time as a US citizen, after immigrating from the West Bank
BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — After many years spent working to become a U.S. citizen, a Blount County woman is doing her part for democracy. Suheir Tabanja came to Knoxville from the West Bank with a dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. She fulfilled that dream over the spring and said she was eager to walk into a polling location for the first time as a citizen, the Blount County Public Library.
New Lenoir City Schools superintendent responds to questions regarding new year
As students and teachers across the county are preparing to go back-to-school, Millicent Smith is unique in that she is taking on a new role as Lenoir City Director of Schools. Inheriting the district from Jeanne Barker, in an interview with The News-Herald, Smith recognized and continually appreciates the unique position she is in as the first-ever Lenoir City graduate to become the district’s superintendent. While she believes she will always be a teacher at heart, Smith has worked various positions within school systems across...
LIST: Free meals offered at these East TN school districts
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Families preparing for Back to School season in the coming weeks are likely budgeting for meals as well as school supplies. With inflation still impacting some grocery store prices, some may turn to free or reduced school meals for student breakfasts and lunches. Last fall, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, […]
City of Gatlinburg asks to avoid decorating with produce this fall after bear encounters
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Gatlinburg officials, along with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, are asking people to hold off on using real produce for fall displays. This comes as the area has seen an uptick in bear encounters. City representatives said real producer can be a motivator for bears to enter populated areas.
Neyland Stadium entertainment district will be big. It will change Tennessee game days forever
The University of Tennessee has selected designers and developers for its ambitious Neyland Entertainment District that will transform Vols game days and the Tennessee River waterfront on campus. A hybrid condo-hotel with a rooftop restaurant and bar will overlook Neyland Stadium. And a lively entertainment hub will be created in the area between Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. ...
Tax-free weekend kicks off in East Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Tax free weekend began at midnight on Friday July 26 and will last until 11:59 p.m. on July 28. Tax free weekend allows parents to grab their students’ school supplies and save at the same time. The deals include all school and art supplies, clothing...
Construction on downtown hotel to begin, downtown parking lot will close
After years of planning, construction on Maryville’s new downtown hotel is finally growing near. According to a release from city staff, the project should last 18-24 months and will disrupt downtown parking options until its completion. Contractors will begin staging equipment and addressing underground utilities at the site starting the week of July 29. The city encouraged drivers to use the Harper Street garage as a “convenient parking option” since the new hotel — a 98-key Holiday Inn establishment — will occupy the Sam Houston...
Fun Knoxville cultural festivals this summer and fall: Asian Fest, Greek Fest, HoLa and more
Last summer and fall are the best times in Knoxville to immerse yourself in cultural delights from around the world. Asian, Greek, Indian and Latin celebrations are coming soon. Cultural festivals have been a part of Knoxville celebrations for decades, and they serve a huge community gatherings. Expect lots of food, of...
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