GATLINBURG, TN (WOKI) Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer the first Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Day of the year on June 18. Vehicle-free days provide opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists to experience the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road without motor vehicles.
Vehicle-free days will continue every Wednesday through September 24.
Reminders for vehicle-free day:
Safety first: Always wear a helmet when cycling and adhere to the posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour. Wearing a helmet could save your life.
Park smart: Vehicle-free days are popular and parking is limited. Please park only in designated spots to keep roads safer and to protect roadside ecosystems. Don’t forget to grab your parking tag before heading out!
Timing is everything: Avoid the morning rush! Arriving in the afternoon could give you a much more relaxed experience. If there is no parking available, you will be asked to return later in the day.
Pack wisely: Due to the terrain of the Cades Cove Loop Road, it often takes people longer than they expect to bike or hike the road. Bring essentials like food, water and a first aid kit to be prepared. Remember, there is no cell service here, so plan accordingly!
Know the rules: Only non-motorized bicycles, as well as Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes, are permitted (Class 3 E-bikes are prohibited). All other motorized and non-motorized vehicles, such as scooters, skateboards and hoverboards, are not allowed.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The City of Knoxville has announced free live music will soon return to downtown Knoxville.
Concerts on the Square will be held on Tuesdays in May, June and September, and on Third Thursdays from May through September, all from 7-9 p.m.
The festivities kick off on May 6 with the first Jazz Tuesday, which will feature Margherita Fava and the Knoxville Jazz Workshop. Third Thursdays will begin May 15 with the WIMZ Garage Band and feature a variety of musical styles each month.
Below are just some of the performers slated to be in Market Square throughout the summer into the fall:
Jazz Tuesdays
May 6: Margherita Fava and the Knoxville Jazz Workshop
May 13: Greg Tardy Quintet with Karns High School Jazz Band at 5:30 p.m.
May 20: Denin Slage-Koch
May 27: Mimi Terry Quartet
June 3: Donald Brown & Friends
June 10: Vance Thompson Quartet
June 17: Taber Gable
June 24: Ken Brown Quartet
Third Thursdays
May 15: WIMZ Garage Band
June 19: Brian Clay’s GRUUV Xperiencein collaboration with Beck Cultural Exchange Center for Juneteenth
July 17: Teen Spirit
Aug. 21: 7 Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience
Sept. 18: Square on the Square
City officials said attendees should bring their own chairs for first-come, first-served seating. While no food or beer will be sold on Market Square, food will be available from restaurants for take-out. However, alcohol can only be consumed inside establishments or on their patios.
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Blount County District Attorney behind the sentencing of a former gym teacher accused of inappropriately touching students released a statement explaining the laws as they currently stand and his reasoning behind the charges.
Joseph Dalton is a former gym teacher who was recently sentenced for several charges of assault against elementary school students.
Dalton worked for several elementary schools in Blount County and faced multiple complaints from parents and students who said he assaulted them physically.
The former teacher was sentenced Wednesday to six months of supervised probation after pleading guilty to assault in September.
49-year-old Joseph Dalton(BCSO)
There has been an outcry in the Blount County community, and Fifth Judicial District Attorney General Ryan Desmond, who was over Dalton’s prosecution, released a statement explaining how the case developed, the laws currently in place and his reasoning behind the charges.
Desmond said he became aware of an incident involving a young student in early 2023, and after an extensive review of surveillance video from every class Dalton had participated in, investigators found “multiple concerning incidents where the teacher had physical contact with students which we deemed to be inappropriate.”
Currently, Desmond said Tennessee’s criminal laws on sexual battery require contact with the “intimate parts” of a victim. However, none of the videos or accusations showed that Dalton had touched any of the students in that way, meaning that while his actions were concerning and inappropriate, it did not qualify as sexual battery or any other sexual offense under state law.
The DA said his office was then faced with the question of closing the case and investigation because the conduct did not amount to sexual battery, but he said closing it was “unacceptable.”
After researching the law, Desmond said the only criminal offense that fit the facts and evidence was assault through the “offensive touching” of another, which is a Class B misdemeanor and carries a maximum punishment of six months.
Desmond said he found it to be worth it to prosecute the charges despite the sentence being minimal because “the alternative was to do nothing.” He said if more serious charges had been supported with evidence that they would have been pursued, but that was not the case.
Desmond added that he doesn’t disagree with people’s belief that the sentence is insufficient, saying he would support an effort to amend the law to address scenarios like this.
He said the law as it currently exists is “clearly insufficient,” but he made the decision that some action had to be taken and said he stands by that decision. Dalton was sentenced to the maximum punishment of six months of supervised probation.
Desmond is not the only official to speak out about the case. Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell called out the school district’s administration and said the current laws need to be changed.
State records obtained by WVLT News show Dalton still has a valid teaching license even after being sentenced on the charges.
Below is Desmond’s full statement on the case:
I have always believed in honesty and transparency. So while I understand that it may be difficult for some to accept, it is my sincere hope that being straightforward and open will help most understand what has transpired. The mission of the District Attorney’s Office is to seek justice, protect the community, and, in all instances, try to do the right thing.
In the later parts of 2023, I became aware of an incident where a young student at one of our local schools felt like one of their teachers was acting in an inappropriate manner. These allegations were the first time I had ever heard of this teacher.
Shortly thereafter, individuals came to me to express concerns that the teacher in question had been the subject of similar allegations numerous times in the past. I directed my criminal investigator to pull all available surveillance video from every class the teacher had participated in for the entire school year to that point. After careful review, we located multiple concerning incidents where the teacher had physical contact with students which we deemed to be inappropriate. We notified the parents of the students involved and continued the investigatory process of collecting statements and any possible related evidence.
It is important to note at this point, that the Tennessee criminal laws on sexual battery require contact with the “intimate parts” of a victim. None of the videos or subsequent evidence for these allegations showed that the teacher in question had touched the “intimate parts” of any of the students involved. While the teacher’s conduct was concerning and inappropriate, it did not qualify as sexual battery or any other sexual offense under current Tennessee law.
We then faced a question, if the conduct did not amount to sexual battery, should the case and investigation then be closed? I found this answer to be unacceptable.
Instead, we carefully researched the law and found the only criminal offense that fit the facts and evidence before us. That criminal offense was assault through the “offensive touching” of another. It was our conclusion that while the conduct did not meet the threshold of sexual battery, it was contact that was offensive to a reasonable person, and certainly to the parents of these children.
Assault by offensive touching under Tennessee law is a Class B misdemeanor. The maximum punishment for a B misdemeanor is 6 months.
We were again faced with a choice. Was it worth it to prosecute charges knowing the sentence would be minimal? The alternative was to do nothing. I was elected to protect the citizens of our community, and the right choice was clear. Considering past efforts by the school system to curtail this teacher’s behavior had clearly not been effective, doing nothing was not an option I could accept.
I made the decision to charge this teacher with five counts of offensive touching assault. This decision was not made lightly. It was made knowing full well that many would think the charges and the sentence would be woefully insufficient. We can only do what the law allows, and the job of my office is to apply the facts and evidence to the law. If there were more serious charges which were supported by the evidence, they would have been pursued. That was not the case.
I understand people believe the sentence for these crimes is insufficient. I do not disagree. I would certainly support any effort by the legislature to amend the law to address scenarios wherein a person in a position of trust has inappropriate contact with children in their care.
The law for these crimes, as it currently exists, is clearly insufficient. Despite that inadequacy, when faced with this issue I ultimately made the decision that some action had to be taken. I stand by that decision.Fifth Judicial District Attorney General Ryan Desmond
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WVLT) – A body found along the Nolichucky River on Thursday has been identified as a man who went missing from flooding caused by Helene.
The body was found Thursday afternoon in the 2000 block of Highway 107 near Jonesborough, according to Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton.
In an update, Sexton said the remains were identified to be Steven Cloyd, one of the two people still missing from flooding caused by Helene.
“Crews clearing debris located the remains, and our investigators worked with the medical examiner to identify Steve,” said Sexton. “WCSO continues to pray for the Cloyd family and we hope this brings them some closure.”
The last remaining person missing from the floods in Washington County is Nancy Tucker.
Gatlinburg police reminding people that as spring is here so are the bears.
Officials say whether you live here or are visiting the area, it is important to take proper precautions to remain BearWise.
In April, three bears were killed because they had been conditioned to eat human food.
If you see a bear, be sure to give the animal plenty of space and never approach it. If you see increased bear activity in your area, or notice a nuisance bear which is posing a threat to property or individuals, please contact the Gatlinburg Police Department.
The following tips help keep you and the bears safe:
Securing your trash properly and never leave food, or food sources, outside.
Lock your car doors and remove all food sources from vehicles. Bears know how to open car doors and will be able to smell food or garbage from outside your vehicle.
It is illegal to feed bears—intentionally or unintentionally in Gatlinburg. This law is enforced by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
If you are cooking outside, please clean your grills. Also, be sure to remove alternate food sources from outside your home, including pet food and bird feeders.
If you see a bear, be sure to give the animal plenty of space and never approach it.
If you see increased bear activity in your area, or notice a nuisance bear which is posing a threat to property or individuals, please contact the Gatlinburg Police Department at 865-436-5181.
With the exit of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee will roll with UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshmen George MacIntyre as it’s quarterbacks, with a starter to be determined.
So, through our website poll question below, we’d like to know how you currently feel about Tennessee’s quarterback position. Are you nervous and believe they won’t be as good? Are you excited that one of those guys will upgrade the QB play? Or, do you think it will end up being about the same?
In 2024, Nico was 213 of 334 passing (63.8%) for 2,616 yards (202.2 per game) with 19 TDs and 5 INTs. He also rushed for 358 yards after sack yardage was removed at 3.3 yards per and 3 rushing touchdowns.
Please vote in our poll below and share if you can.
Photo of UT QB Jake Merklinger is courtesy of UT Athletics.
991TheSportsAnimal.com Website Poll
991TheSportsAnimal.com Poll Question
Besides the QBs, which FIRST YEAR Vols football player will make the biggest impact on offense?
Newport, TN (WOKI) The U.S. Forest Service announcing Wednesday that crews would be closing a portion of Rocky Top Road in the Cherokee National Forest for road repairs in June.
According to officials, Rocky Top Road, also known as NFSR 402, was damaged by stormy weather, prompting the need for work from mile 2.22 to 5.72. Crews will be removing damaged culverts, reconditioning the road and adding new surface aggregate.
Officials add that project funding is coming from Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads funds, a program created to help federal agencies fix roads affected by natural disasters.
Cherokee National Forest crews to close road for repairs. (Courtesy: WVLT)
GATLINBURG, Tenn.— Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont from May 29-June 5. The public can apply for this opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle reservation through https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233374? . The lottery for reservation applications opens on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. EDT and closes on Monday, May 5 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. This lottery system ensures that all applicants have an equal chance of securing a reservation.
Every year, in late May or early June, hundreds of visitors gather near Elkmont to witness the mesmerizing phenomenon of Photinus carolinus, a firefly species known for its synchronous flashing behavior. Since 2006, the National Park Service has limited access to the Elkmont area during an eight-day period of predicted peak firefly activity. This approach helps to alleviate traffic congestion, ensures a safe viewing experience for visitors and minimizes disturbances to these remarkable fireflies and their ecosystem during their mating period.
A total of 960 vehicle reservations, 120 per night, will be issued through the lottery process. Each reservation allows one vehicle with a maximum of seven occupants to park at the Elkmont viewing location. The number of daily reservations is based on parking capacity and the ability to safely accommodate a large number of viewers on site while minimizing resource impacts.
Lottery applicants may choose two potential dates to participate in the viewing opportunity during the eight-day period. Applicants will be selected using a randomized computer drawing. All lottery applicants will be charged a $1 application fee. Successful applicants will automatically be given reservations, and a $29 reservation fee will be charged to the same credit or debit card used for the application fee. The $29 fee covers the cost of awarding the reservation, on-site portable restrooms, supplies and nightly personnel costs for managing the viewing opportunity.
Reservations are non-refundable, non-transferable, and good only for the date issued. There is a limit of one lottery application per household per season. All lottery applicants will be notified by e-mail by May 13 if their application was successful or not.
During the viewing period, access to Elkmont is restricted after 12 p.m. to passenger vehicles with a reservation and registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground. Overnight parking at Little River Trailhead, Jakes Creek Trailhead or the Appalachian Clubhouse is not allowed during this eight-day period.
Each year in late May or early June, Photinus carolinus, a firefly species, flashes synchronously. (Courtesy: GSMNP)
Applications for Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship program launch in less than a month for all families across the state.
According to the state Department of Education, the majority of the 210 schools eligible to participate in the program intend doing so.
Here’s a full list of private schools in East Tennessee that intend to accept Education Freedom Scholarship money for the 2025-26 school year, as of April 24:
Click here http://tn.gov/education/efs.html to view the full list of private schools across Tennessee that intend to participate in the Education Freedom Scholarship program.
State lawmakers passed the Tennessee Education Freedom Act during Governor Bill Lee’s special-called session in January 2025.
There was a mixed reaction to its passing, with private schools saying it would usher in a new area for education in Tennessee, while others said it will negatively affect public schools.
The governor signed it into law on Feb. 12.
“I’ve long believed we can have the best public schools and give parents a choice in their child’s education, regardless of income or zip code,” Governor Lee said after signing it into law.
The $500 million plan gives 20,000 Tennessee students around $7,000 in public funds to pay for private school tuition.
Applications for the program launch on May 15 at 1 p.m. ET.
Visit Knoxville says Knox County residents can enjoy free local Sunsphere days from May through October.
Those with a physical copy of their Knox County driver’s license can visit the observation deck on the fourth floor for free on the following dates:
May 2
June 6
August 1
September 5
October 3
Officials with Visit Knoxville say the observation deck allows up to 40 people every 30 minutes, meaning space is limited and admission is on a first come, first serve basis. Because of this, it will be open an hour later, until 6 p.m., for an additional hour of enjoyment.
The Sunsphere was built for the 1982 World’s Fair and offers a stunning 360-degree view of downtown Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains, World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee.
It also has a timeline, gallery, memorabilia, a newly painted mural, and technology related to the World’s Fair.
