Synchronous Firefly Lottery and Viewing Dates for 2025

Synchronous Firefly Lottery and Viewing Dates for 2025

April 29, 2025

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)
Knoxville 8-year-old ‘fighting for his life’ After Being Hit by a Car
WVLT

Knoxville 8-year-old ‘fighting for his life’ After Being Hit by a Car

April 29, 2025

Wyatt Turpin remains at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital after being hit by a car more than two weeks ago.

The eight-year-old was hit by a car while trying to cross Broadway Street in Knoxville and was taken immediately to the hospital.

“When I got that call, I can’t describe to you the pain and anxiety and how anxious I was,” said Wyatt’s mom, Elizabeth Turpin.

Turpin was at work when the accident happened and said her son was in the care of someone that she knew at the time. The driver of the car that hit Wyatt will not be charged, according to Knoxville police.

Wyatt has a broken leg, fractured hips, and a significant brain injury.

“He loves to be in sports, play on bikes, and anything that goes fast; he loves to watch, like racing. That’s one of his dreams to become a race car driver,” said Turpin.

Turpin said that as of the last few days, Wyatt was able to open his eyes for the first time. He’s also been able to acknowledge and respond to questions by blinking.

While doctors said it’s likely Wyatt won’t make a 100% recovery, Turpin is holding out hope and still waiting for more positive news in the coming weeks when it comes to Wyatt’s recovery.

Story courtesy of WVLT

These Private Schools in East Tennessee are Accepting School Vouchers

These Private Schools in East Tennessee are Accepting School Vouchers

April 29, 2025

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.

Story courtesy of WVLT

Train Hits, Kills Man on Tracks in North Knoxville

April 28, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A man died over the weekend after a train hit him in North Knoxville.

Knoxville Police Department officials say officers responded to the train tracks near Radford Place and North Central Street around 11:40 a.m. on Sunday where Norfolk Southern train operators reported they saw a man standing on the tracks.

Operators say despite blowing the train’s horn multiple times, the man did not move out of the way, and the train hit him.

The victim has not yet been identified.

Knoxville police say the train blew its horn multiple times after seeing the man, but he did not move off the tracks. (Courtesy: KPD)
Knoxville Man Facing Charges after Search Finds Drugs, Weapons

Knoxville Man Facing Charges after Search Finds Drugs, Weapons

April 28, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Multiple firearms as well as suspected meth and heroin are seized following a search warrant that was conducted at a northeast Knoxville home.

Fifty-nine year old David Prins was arrested following a search of his Gillespie Avenue home last Thursday by Knoxville Police who found and seized about 21 grams of suspected meth, over three grams of suspected heroin and fentanyl, two handguns and three rifles.

Suspected stolen property was also found at the home, including a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a trailer.

Prins was arrested and charged with convicted felon in possession of a weapon, manufacture, delivery and sale of meth and theft of property among other charges.

David Prins was being investigated by the department’s organized crime unit leading up to the search, according to Knoxville Police Department officials. (Courtesy: JIMS)
City of Morristown Installs New Cameras to Improve ‘Feeling of Safety Shopping Downtown’

City of Morristown Installs New Cameras to Improve ‘Feeling of Safety Shopping Downtown’

April 28, 2025

Morristown, TN (WOKI) Morristown now has a system of cameras in the downtown area to address residents’ concerns.

The city says it has an annual survey to get feedback from the community on what it’s doing well and what can be improved, and officials recently noticed a decline in the “feeling of safety shopping downtown.”

The Morristown Police Department acquired and installed three new fixed cameras that will help monitor crowds at downtown events.

They hope this will help bring a sense of safety to those living in and visiting the downtown area.

TDOT Reminding Motorists About Lane Closures on I-75 in Campbell County
WVLT

TDOT Reminding Motorists About Lane Closures on I-75 in Campbell County

April 28, 2025

Motorists traveling on I-75 in Campbell County should be aware of bridge repair work that will have a significant impact on traffic.

I-75 is reduced to one lane in each direction at mile marker 133, near Exit 134 for Caryville/Jacksboro/LaFollette.

These lane closures will be in place 24/7 and will allow crews to perform substructure and deck repairs to the bridges over Better Chanee Road and the R.J. Corman Railroad.

All bridge work is expected to be complete on or before May 25th.

Knox County Residents Get a Chance to Visit the Observation Deck in the Sunsphere Free
WVLT drone

Knox County Residents Get a Chance to Visit the Observation Deck in the Sunsphere Free

April 28, 2025

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.

A Former Jail Nurse is Indicted and Charged with Official Misconduct and Theft
tbi

A Former Jail Nurse is Indicted and Charged with Official Misconduct and Theft

April 28, 2025

SCOTT COUNTY – An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the indictment of a former Scott County Jail nurse.

In October, at the request of 8th Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler, TBI agents began investigating allegations of misconduct involving Tonja York Draughn (DOB: 12/21/64). During the course of the investigation, agents discovered that Draughn, while employed as a nurse by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, used her position to bring contraband items into the facility to sell to inmates. Further investigation revealed that Draughn also stole prescription medication from the facility.  

On Thursday, the Scott County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Draughn with one count of Official Misconduct and one count of Theft. Today, she turned herself in and was booked into the Scott County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

Podcasts

What's happening