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Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why do Knox County and Knoxville each have a mayor?
When you hear something about "the mayor" around Knoxville, you need some context clues to figure out which one. Knoxville and Knox County, though completely separate governments, both are headed by a mayor. Each mayor has executive authority within their government, and one mayor's authority doesn't extend into the other's jurisdiction. City rules only apply within city limits, and county rules apply only outside city limits. But some services, such as the health department and Knox County Schools, are provided by the county for all residents regardless of whether they live in Farragut, Knoxville or Knox County. It seems obvious that a city like Knoxville would have a mayor. People are used to associating mayors with city government. Knoxville has been run by a mayor since its 1815 incorporation. Even the town of Farragut has had a mayor since its 1980 incorporation. But a county mayor? That's not intuitive for people in most of America. County executives in Tennessee have been called mayors only since 2003, and most other states don't use the mayor title for the chief executive of a county. The Tennessee legislature passed a law in 2003 requiring county executives to be called mayors. Republicans in the state senate, including then-state Sen. Tim Burchett, championed the change. According to the News Sentinel in 2003, senate Republicans said "Not everyone in the world knows what a county executive is, much less what county executives do. Generally, though, the role of mayor is recognized by the majority of people around the world." The Tennessean reported in 2003 that the Tennessee Association of County Mayors and Executives – now the Association of County Mayors – said 48 of 52 county executives in a survey it conducted said they would prefer to be called "mayor." Fred Congdon, the executive director of the association at the time, said when he was the county executive of Unicoi County, people mistook him for an account executive. The term "mayor" gives more respect, Congdon told The Tennessean. Mike Ragsdale was the first Knox County executive to use the title of mayor. He was elected county executive in 2002 and elected county mayor in 2006. Tennessee is one of only 11 states that require all counties to have an appointed or elected county executive who exercises decision-making authority, according to the National Association of Counties. Of those 11 states, only Alaska, Hawaii and Tennessee call their county executives "mayors." (In Alaska, counties are called boroughs.) The others use a combination of titles to reference their executives, such as county administrator, county executive or county judge. Only residents of the city of Knoxville who are qualified voters can weigh in on the city mayor, and only Knoxville residents can run for city mayor. All residents of Knox County, including those in Farragut and Knoxville, can vote for county mayor because the town and city are within the county and all residents pay county taxes. Candidates for county mayor can live in Farragut or Knoxville, or in the county outside the town or city limits. Know Your Knox answers your burning questions about life in Knoxville. Want your question answered? Email knowyourknox@ Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: and find her on Reddit, u/KnoxNewsAllie. When you get a ticket in the mail from a private company that operates a traffic-light camera at a busy Knoxville intersection, there's a longstanding rumor that there would be no consequences in Tennessee for tossing that ticket in the trash instead of paying the $50. But is it true? Myron Thompson sets out to settle the issue. The 4.1 magnitude earthquake that shook up East Tennessee on May 10 was one of the strongest to hit the region since 1900. Experts say that should be a wake-up call that Knoxville is indeed "in earthquake country." Devarrick Turner shares what to know before the next one. Look for McGhee Tyson Airport on some airline websites and you'll come up empty. But change that search to "Knoxville" or "Great Smoky Mountains National Park," or even just the word "Smoky," and there it is. So why doesn't McGhee Tyson Airport, which is busier than ever, switch to a different name? Daniel Dassow explains the reason, which goes back nearly 100 years. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why do Knoxville and Knox County each have a mayor?
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New York Democrat for mayor: communist or socialist? There's little difference
I have to respond to this article from the very liberal USA Today. You see, there is very little difference between communist and socialism. That is a fact! My dictionary describes communism as "any system of social organization in which goods are held in common." Isn't that exactly what Mr. Mamdani is proposing? He has proposed a system that will have all grocery stores owned by the city government. Isn't that a tenet of communism? Glenn Norris PE, Powell, 37849 *** Letters to the Editor must be exclusive to the News Sentinel. Length should be 300 or fewer words. Op-eds should be 500-600. Letters we publish should be original and reflect the views of the writers. Letters are subject to editing and condensing. No more than one per writer in a 30-day period. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Communist or socialist? Little difference where Mamdani stands | Letter
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
We went to 23 proms around Knoxville and these bold trends stood out
Prom season is one of the highlights of the high school experience when students can let their hair down and kick up their heels on the dance floor as the year comes to an end. The News Sentinel was there to capture all the gowns, shoes, hairstyles and tuxes of the season. Here are some of the top trends we saw during prom season. Tennessee fans are loud and proud all year long, and prom night is a special place to showcase that love. From blush ties to bold bubblegum-colored jackets, these guys looked sharp in all shades of pink. East Tennessee's weather is highly unpredictable, but these smart students were totally prepared! We caught a few teens laughing through an absolute downpour on their way into prom. Together, they look like royalty. Check out the pairs that clearly put a lot of planning into their complementary styles. Forget pastels ‒ these girls chose deep colors to sparkle like the gems they are. From beautiful light-filled ballrooms to dark, moody spaces that looked like a nightclub, these locations pulled out all the stops for their prom guests. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Prom 2025 trends: Orange dresses, dudes in pink, matching couples
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Rebel yells, Old West shootouts, a flooded mine: Attractions that came before Dollywood
Tourism transformed Pigeon Forge from a speck of an outpost to a travel destination. Dollywood − which celebrates its 40th season this year − cinched the deal, but a series of other theme parks paved the way first. Before there was Dollywood, Pigeon Forge visitors got their fix of themed attractions and old time crafts and traditions from the park's predecessors, places such as Goldrush Junction and Silver Dollar City. The themes of those parks ushered in many contemporary Dollywood favorites − live performances, Southern comfort food and train rides through the foothills of the Smokies. Those early parks might not have become the institution that Dollywood is today, but they were beloved just the same, and many still have fond memories of visits to Dollywood's predecessors in the days when they were more than just traces left behind. Grover Robbins Jr., who operated the Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, announced plans for a new, similar attraction in not-yet-incorporated Pigeon Forge in November 1960, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported that year. The ride, called Rebel Railroad, was to include a 3.25-mile scenic route by train with a replica 19th-century town near the station. Several locomotives were transported to Pigeon Forge from Alaska, including Klondike Kate. Klondike Kate, now called Klondike Katie, remains at Dollywood today as one of the engines for the Dollywood Express. By July 1961, Rebel Railroad was open, according to a News Sentinel article that month. In all, the project cost around $1.5 million. "Rebeltown" by the station included a blacksmith shop, saloon, newspaper office (with "ye editor") and post office. A News Sentinel article from August 1961 described how the ride had become a favorite of many children, who were given toy rifles and pistols, taught the Rebel yell and charged with delivering supplies to fellow soldiers while fighting off Yankee troops along the route. In 1964, Rebel Railroad changed its name to Goldrush Junction. Additional track was added, and the town was updated. Five years later, the Cleveland Browns purchased the park. A May 1969 ad in the News Sentinel touted the Log Flume and Lady Gay Saloon, and promised visitors a free photo of their favorite Cleveland Browns player and experiences participating in shootouts with outlaws or "fighting off" Native Americans from the train. In December of that year, Browns leaders announced they would change the park to have "an authentic mountain village" theme. By April 1970, it had completed a half-million-dollar expansion that included a sawmill, trailer park, picnic grounds, two pools and a trail named in honor of News Sentinel columnist Bert Vincent. In 1976, the owners of Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, bought Goldrush Junction. When it opened for a new season a few months later, over $300,000 had been spent to revamp the park, the News Sentinel reported in June of that year. Updates focused on landscaping, making buildings look more antique to match its theme and adding craft demonstrations. Toward the end of 1976, the News Sentinel reported the park would share the name of its owners' sister park in Missouri: Silver Dollar City. The Pigeon Forge park opened for its second season in 1977 with a new flooded mine ride. The president of Silver Dollar City Inc. had a $9 million, five-year expansion plan that would continue to improve the park. During the park's prime, rides included the Cloud Grabber, the Inventor's Mansion, Blazing Fury and the Rainmaker. Parton entered a partnership with Silver Dollar City in 1985 to turn the existing park into Dollywood, and Dollywood opened in May 1986. Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email Support strong local journalism by subscribing at This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Before Dollywood, Pigeon Forge had Rebel Railroad, Goldrush Junction
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What you may have missed this week in the transfer portal
© Hannah Mattix/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK The transfer portal is starting to heat up again as teams around the country get spring practice started. Take a look at what you may have missed this week in the transfer portal. PORTAL PREDICTIONS: No. 1 pick, first-round transfers, Quinshon Judkins MORE TRANSFER PORTAL: Latest news | Transfer search | Transfer Team Ranking | Football Player Ranking After revealing his intention to enter the transfer portal last week, Rickey Gibson III has decided to play out the spring with Tennessee. Gibson is a key returner on defense and is expected to start at cornerback again this season. Last season the sophomore was credited with 32 tackles, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble. The Vols were somewhat inactive during the winter transfer window and only signed four transfers. We'll see if that trend reverses itself this spring. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TENNESSEE FANS AT © Chris Jones-Imagn Images Baylor is trying to take a big step forward this season but it looks like the team will have to do so without Richard Reese. On Thursday the 2022 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year announced his intention to transfer. Reese ran for 972 yards on 198 carries and scored 14 touchdowns as a freshman but he has not matched that level of production since then, totaling less than 550 yards in the two seasons since then. Finding himself buried on the depth chart, Reese is set to look for another team once the portal opens in April. Martes Lewis started every game at right guard for Minnesota during the 2023 season but this past season he tried to make the transition to tackle. That move didn't go as planned and he ended up playing just 162 snaps last year. With one more year of eligibility, Lewis is hoping a fresh start at Northwestern will help him finish his college career on a high note. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NORTHWESTERN FANS AT Arkansas State already lost a number of important players during the winter transfer window and now they are down two more players in defensive linemen Tim Hardiman and Ian Jefferies. Hardiman has logged over 1,500 snaps over four seasons with Arkansas State. In each of the last two seasons he was responsible for 18 quarterback pressures according to Pro Football Focus. Jeffries had a breakout season last year. As a sophomore, he was credited with 21 quarterback pressures while playing 485 total snaps. It could be a tall task to replace these two starters ahead of next season. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ARKANSAS STATE FANS AT
