Columbus
The Daily Times
Jase Graves: Inspiration for the over-50 realist
Recently, I was getting a haircut and teasing my long-term stylist about the lack of inspirational-quote décor in her salon station compared to the one next to hers. Of course, she knows that teasing her is how I show my love and appreciation to her for not re-sculpting my earlobes with her straight razor or making my hair look like it was styled with a package of firecrackers. Our discussion had us both laughing about how corny and unrealistic some inspirational quotes can seem, especially...
Maryville announces Independence Day schedule
The Maryville Municipal Center offices, the city operation center and recycling centers will close in observance of Independence Day on July 4. All offices and the recycling centers will reopen July 5. Residential garbage routes scheduled for July 4 will run Friday, July 5, with Friday’s route moving to Monday, July 8. For more information, call the Maryville Administration Department at 865-273-3400.
Townsend Community Plan Advisory Committee talks public engagement
Obtaining public input is on the agenda for the Townsend Community Plan Advisory Committee. In a meeting Tuesday afternoon, June 18, committee members debated ways to let the public weigh in on the city’s direction. Formed last year as the guiding group developing Townsend’s next community plan, the CPAC has picked up speed recently. Last month, city officials approved almost $100,000 in funding for the committee to hire consultants to...
BCSO releases body cam footage of Rockford shooting
Blount County Sheriff’s Office has released the body cam footage from a Rockford shooting that took place on Tuesday, June 11. BCSO Deputy Corbin Smith and Deputy Edward Walker were responding to a domestic call on Jacob Springs Boulevard when Ronald Reed Millsaps, 59, allegedly opened fire on the deputies, striking both in the legs. In a press conference the night of the shooting, Sheriff Berrong said it was their...
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont: Nature observation of the day
If there was ever a spider that someone might call cute, it’s a jumping spider (Salticidae family). Unlike orb-weavers who make large, sticky webs to capture prey, jumping spiders are active hunters. Their large eyes give them great eyesight, which they use for sneaking up and pouncing on their victims. Jumping spiders are inquisitive, and because they can see well, they will often turn their bodies to watch a human, hand, or camera (convenient for getting pictures!) They’ll even chase a laser pointer, just like a cat! Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont encourages you to get outdoors and explore for Naturalist Week, June 17-21. Learn more at gsmit.org/naturalist.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont: Nature observation of the day
Most insect-eating predators won’t mess with bees — the sting isn’t worth the snack! Certain hoverflies (Syrphidae family) have evolved to take advantage of bees’ bad reputations, taking on the yellow and black patterning to fool others into leaving them alone. A few key differences: hoverflies have shorter antennae, eyes that cover most of their head, and land with their wings spread. Plus, they can hover in the air, while bees dash from place to place. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont encourages you to get outdoors and explore for Naturalist Week, June 17-21. Learn more at gsmit.org/naturalist.
Downtown Maryville mural to be completed during Summer on Broadway
Three community artists are working together to complete a mural in downtown Maryville by Saturday, June 22 during the Summer on Broadway family activity event. The mural, which will be on the former Exitech building on the corner of West Broadway Avenue and North Cusick Street, was approved by the Maryville Downtown Design Review Board June 10. According to a release from the Blount Partnership, work was slated to begin...
Pickleville serves up a new destination for local pickleball players
Pickleball seems to have taken the nation by storm, and East Tennessee is no exception. The sport has attracted enthusiasts of all ages, and according to Alisa Cherry, president of the Smoky Mountain Pickleball Club, the new number of players and participants continues to grow in popularity. While Blount County offers several places to participate, enthusiasts now have a new destination designed for pickleball playing exclusively. Known as Pickleville, it bills itself as “Knoxville’s ultimate destination for pickleball enthusiasts.” It features eight climate-controlled courts, two...
Alcoa studying water filtration options ahead of growth
Alcoa’s staff is exploring ways to enhance service as some of the equipment generating the city’s water supply nears the end of its lifespan. City commissioners have given staff the go-ahead for a study on updating the materials that filter the water in residents’ taps. The study, which will cost about $10,000 monthly until completed, will tell city staff whether it’s a good idea to update the city’s membrane water filtration system with a newer ceramic system. Benefits include a more efficient, hardier system and...
Millsaps makes court appearance after being charged with shooting two BCSO deputies
A Rockford man facing two counts of attempted criminal homicide after allegedly shooting two Blount County Sheriff’s deputies appeared in court Monday afternoon. Ronald Reed Millsaps, 59, who was dressed in an orange jumpsuit and appeared to have bruising under both eyes, was led handcuffed into the silent courtroom and stood before Blount County General Sessions Court Judge William Brewer. Brewer asked Millsaps if he had reviewed his affidavit and...
Clayton Center for the Arts announces fall-spring schedule
The Clayton Center for the Arts recently unveiled its upcoming fall/spring performance season. During a reception held for patrons, sponsors and subscribers held in the Clayton Center’s lobby, Interim Executive Director Christy McDonald Slavick unveiled the slate of eight shows and concerts that will be presented on the Clayton Center stage each month, beginning with a special season preview performance by the famed Second City Improve comedy troupe on July 31. The line-up then picks up on a monthly basis on September 20 and continues through February 21. ...
Arconic Foundation awards $475,000 to East Tennessee nonprofits
The Arconic Foundation has awarded 15 grants totaling $475,000 to nonprofit organizations in Blount, Knox and Sevier counties to further education, environmental sustainability, and social equity programs throughout the region. The Arconic Foundation invests in communities where Arconic has a presence, according to a Friday release from the foundation. Nonprofit partnerships are selected based on the Arconic Foundation’s funding priorities and local needs. “We are thrilled to invest in programs...
Bonnaroo's non-stop party reaches new heights
MANCHESTER — By day two of Bonnaroo, tents littered the campground like the world’s dustiest stained glass. Tens of thousands of people started losing voices, either from pollen or singing along to favorite bands. Many might have forgotten what day it is. Day two of Bonnaroo isn’t Friday — it’s the hours leading to Post Malone’s headlining set. Welcome to the second day on The Farm — home of 92-degree temps, totem poles and alien invasions. ...
The Daily Times
3K+
Posts
10M+
Views
The Daily Times, an award-winning daily newspaper in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, has served Blount County, Tennessee, readers since 1883. The Daily Times is a family-owned newspaper based in Maryville, Tennessee, near Knoxville, providing quality news and information to the communities it serves, with an emphasis on local news in the Blount County area.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.