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The Daily Times
SWAT search leads to drug, theft charges
Investigators have charged a Maryville man with drug and theft charges after a search of his home allegedly uncovered stolen vehicles and possible forged titles. Booking information says Michael Duane Wingo, 55, Bolinger Road, was arrested Friday, May 17, and released hours later on bonds totaling $100,000. He has been charged with two counts of theft, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold. Wingo’s...
Blount County Sheriff's Office receiving new surveillance drones
Blount County is bringing new drone surveillance technology to local policing. BRINC Drones, a startup headquartered in Washington state, is contracting with the government to place new unmanned aircraft in the Blount County Sheriff’s Office inventory. The county’s board of commissioners signed off Thursday, May 16, on a five-year agreement to purchase drone kits, training and communications technology for BCSO. Costs will be divided over the next five years and total $94,995. ...
Maryville Memorial Day schedule
The City of Maryville Municipal Center Offices, the Operation Center, and Recycling Centers will all close in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27. All offices and the Recycling Centers will reopen on Tuesday, May 28. There will be no change in the residential trash pick-up schedule.
K-9s in the community: Officer Ferguson and K-9 Glory
Maryville Police Department’s Officer Campbell Ferguson completed K-9 handling training on April 26. At the Blount County Sheriff’s Office training facility, Ferguson and K-9 Glory, a black shepherd, showed off what they learned. The officer gave the command for Glory to lie on the ground, which she immediately did. She sat still as stone with a laser focus on Ferguson until given the okay. She was rewarded with a large tug toy which she immediately snatched up and brought to Ferguson for a little tug-of-war. ...
Dogs rule at 42nd Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games
The sounds of bagpipes cutting through the air signaled that it was the start of the 42nd Annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games. Folks walked around, checking out the different clan tents that lined the main field, where the competitive games and demonstrations took place. Tartans were as far as the eye could see. Attendees could make their way to the Townsend Visitor’s Center stage area, where they could...
Civil War soldier’s memorial marker dedication set for Sunday
A long-forgotten Civil War soldier will be recognized with a memorial marker dedication at 2 p.m. today (May 19) at Four Mile Baptist Church, where many of his family members lie at rest. The ceremony will be hosted by Capt. W.Y.C. Hannum Chapter 1881, United Daughters of the Confederacy. The public is invited to attend. Private Bennett Amburn, Co. E 5th Battalion (McClellan’s) Tennessee Cavalry, CSA (Confederate States of America), died while a soldier in the Confederate Army on Feb. 8, 1862. His service card...
Jim N' Nick's bringing barbecue to Springbrook Farm
American flavor is coming to Springbrook Farm in the form of popular regional restaurant Jim N’ Nick’s Community Barbecue. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant near the corner of North Hall Road and Marconi Boulevard will be another addition to the burgeoning development of the former ALCOA plant site. Jim ‘N Nick’s is a southeastern regional chain with 48 locations across six states. Its menu boasts an array of meats in the form of wings, sandwiches, burgers, and of course, barbecue. The company’s website states all locations are...
Guard's 181st showcases AI integration to boost mass fire
YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz. — In a groundbreaking event on April 24, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center, in collaboration with the DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center and the Tennessee National Guard's 1st Battalion, 181st Field Artillery Regiment, based in Chattanooga, showcased the Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) in a live-fire demonstration launching three Reduced Range Practice Rockets (RRPR) in a successive ripple fire mission. Over the two weeks leading up to the live fire event, the team successfully fired three...
Federal government makes emergency food, shelter funds available in Blount County
The federal government has made $35,502 in funds through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security available in Blount County under the the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. The funding is meant "to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county," according to a United Way of Blount County press release. A local board will decide how the funds are apportioned within the county, according to the release. Some private nonprofits and public entities may apply for the funding. Those interested in further information regarding eligibility for the funding may reach out to Wendy Wand at United Way of Blount County by emailing wwand@unitedwayblount.org.
Hiker found safe in Great Smoky Mountains National Park after search
A spokesperson for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park said in a press release Friday, May 17, that park rangers found hiker Timothy Cook, 62, safe following a search. Park officials said in a Thursday release that Cook's vehicle had been found in the Chimney Tops Overlook parking area Tuesday, May 14, and that the last time he'd been seen was Sunday, May 12.
Christy Martin: Protecting for the next generation
I usually write about history, but a wildlife encounter this week has been on my mind. Native plants, animals, and rural places are entwined with our history and culture. These are all things we should seek to protect. Those of us who have lived here for generations are increasingly disturbed by what has happened to the open spaces that used to be a significant part of the allure and vista in our region. ...
Foothills Elementary School welcomes new principal
Kristin Bosco is the new principal of Foothills Elementary School in Maryville. Bosco has worked previously as an assistant principal and summer school director at John Sevier Elementary School, which like Foothills is within the Maryville City Schools district. She's also taught first grade at the school, as well as first, fourth and sixth grade in other schools in Tennessee and Florida. A press release from MCS states that in her interview for the Foothills position, Bosco said, "I am a learner, first. I enjoy growing as an educator and leader every day. I believe our greatest heroes are our teachers. It is an honor to be the heart, hands, and feet to support and lead our heroes.”
Small fire burns at Broadway Towers; no injuries reported
A small fire broke out near the top of the Broadway Towers building in downtown Maryville Thursday afternoon, May 16. No one had been injured by the time the fire was extinguished, officials with the Maryville Fire Department said. Julie Sharpe, executive director of the Maryville Housing Authority, which runs Broadway Towers, said Thursday that the fire did not damage the building itself. The structure rises 16 stories and houses primarily elderly and disabled people; it contains 150 single-bedroom apartments. ...
Louisville hosting 'school's out' party in town playground
School is out for the summer, and Louisville is bringing the community together to celebrate June 4. Town staff have coordinated the first “School’s Out Party in the Park” from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the town playground. The event will boast free face painting and snow cones for children, music and a bounce house, organizer Hailey Russell said. Russell is the town’s administrative assistant, but she also coordinates local events. Her last major event was the town’s fall festival, which she described as a...
William Blount Spring Plant Sale continues
The William Blount FFA Spring Plant Sale is currently having a 30% off sale. This sale applies to all remaining plants, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, succulents, vegetable plants, strawberry plants and hanging baskets. The William Blount Spring Plant Sale is open until sell out. Hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. Additional information about the sale can be found on the William Blount FFA Chapter Facebook page.
A taste of the Highlands returns this weekend, courtesy of the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games
East Tennessee’s archival roots are never all that far from the surface, one reason why the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games as one of the region’s most highly anticipated events of the entire year. It’s also a reason why its organizers thrive to come up with new additives and elements each year in order to maintain the high bar set in festivals past. This year’s event, taking place this...
Blount County Health Department could get new site, renovations
Millions of dollars from Tennessee state programming and federal relief funds could soon be used to reshape one of Blount County’s major public health institutions. About $8 million could offer the Blount County Health Department either a major makeover or a new site. Any changes to the health department depend on whether proposals to appropriate part of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds and join a grant contract with the Tennessee Department of Health net approval from the Blount County Board of Commissioners this...
Fallen officers honored in Blount County Law Enforcement Memorial Service
Law Enforcement officers and citizens gathered together Wednesday, May 15, to honor fallen officers at the Maryville Police Department Public Safety Plaza. Walking up to the plaza, the sound of bagpipes being played by Cade Hackney rang out as groups of officers and supporters chatted in small groups. It was an overcast, slightly chilly morning that matched the somber tone of the event. ...
History of Fairview Church, annual luncheon set for May 18
The Blount County Genealogical and Historical Society will host its annual potluck luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at Fairview Methodist Church, Maryville, in the gym. Opening remarks and prayer will be offered at 11:30 a.m. followed by the serving of food and drinks. A program on “The 110-Year History of Fairview Methodist Church” will be presented beginning around 12:15 p.m. by J.R. Young and Steve Wegner. Young is a longtime member of Fairview and a past director of the BCGHS. His ancestors...
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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.
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