WATE - News: Local: Sevier County

Sevierville Police cracking down on shoplifters

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:52:00 EDT

Sevierville Police are partnering with retailers to crack down on shoplifters. In January, the Sevierville Police Department formed something called ALERT.

Georgia man arrested in Sevier County for child abuse

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:19:00 EDT

A Georgia man was arrested at a Sevier County restaurant after witnesses reported a possible case of child abuse to police.

Tennessee Smokies scrub stadium for allergic fans

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:37:00 EDT

The Tennessee Smokies have scrubbed their ball park and kick off a home stand Thursday with a peanut-free night.

Customers claim transport company won't refund deposit after raising quoted price by hundreds

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:06:00 EDT

Two new auto carrier companies from East Tennessee are under scrutiny by state and federal investigators.

Sevierville takes steps to increase amusement tax

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:01:00 EDT

The city of Sevierville took another step towards increasing the amusement tax on Monday.

Honey Boo Boo vacations in Pigeon Forge

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:15:00 EDT

Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, star of TLC's "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," reality TV show, and her colorful family are paying a visit to East Tennessee.

Knoxville man arrested in connection with Sevier County cabin burglaries

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:02:00 EDT

The Sevier County Sheriff's Department said Stephen Russell, 42, was arrested Friday morning and charged with five counts of aggravated burglary.

Regen Morris out of hospital, back at home with family

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:47:00 EDT

After being hospitalized since November, Regen Morris has come home.

Gatlinburg pastor charged with felony theft

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:12:00 EDT

The Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church congregation speaks out after its former pastor is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars.

String of Sevier County fires break out in 12-hour period

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:11:00 EDT

The Sevier County Sheriff's Department is investigating a series of suspicious fires that happened Wednesday into Thursday morning.

Fire officials: Seymour flea market fire sparked by electrical issue

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:13:00 EDT

Fire officials released new details Tuesday in the investigation into a large fire at a Seymour flea market that devastated two businesses.

Sevierville residents shave heads in honor of local boy battling cancer

Sat, 11 May 2013 16:35:00 EDT

12-year-old Regen Morris has been battling a rare form of brain cancer for the last several months. Inspired by his brave fight, people from his hometown are stepping up to show their support.

Dolly Parton introduces two new attractions at Dollywood

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:52:00 EDT

Dolly Parton was in Pigeon Forge on Friday to open two new attractions at Dollywood. One of them was one of the largest and most expensive rides they have ever built.

Sevierville painter takes inspiration from East Tennessee's natural beauty

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:00:00 EDT

Robert Tino, who owns the Robert A. Tino Gallery in Sevierville, is known worldwide for his paintings that are inspired by the natural beauty of East Tennessee and the Smokies.

Vet loses battle to keep flag in front of his home

Wed, 8 May 2013 17:04:00 EDT

A retired Green Beret has lost his battle to keep the American flag flying in front of his home.

One person dies after car goes into water in Sevier County

Tue, 7 May 2013 20:00:00 EDT

One person died Tuesday in an accident in Sevier County.

Sevier County Schools rejects homeschooled student's plea to walk at graduation

Mon, 6 May 2013 18:20:00 EDT

A Sevier County homeschooler wants to walk across the stage to get her diploma at Sevier County High School. The school system has told her no.

Large fire breaks out at Seymour Flea Market

Sat, 4 May 2013 10:35:00 EDT

More than 40 firefighters worked to contain a large fire that damaged two businesses.

Seymour couple finally receives magnetic mattress months after purchase

Thu, 2 May 2013 20:01:00 EDT

Believing they were ripped off, a Seymour couple had given up hope of ever seeing the mattress they ordered nearly four months ago. But the couple was excited when it recently showed up on their porch unexpectedly.

State inspector makes sure most Sevier County rides stay safe

Thu, 2 May 2013 07:54:00 EDT

There are hundreds of rides and attractions for Sevier County visitors to enjoy, but who makes sure they are safe? State laws have been enacted to make rides safer, but not all rides are inspected.

Burglar caught on tape makes off with $50K worth of cell phones, cash

Thu, 2 May 2013 07:30:00 EDT

A burglar hit a Sevierville cell phone store twice in one month, stealing more than $50,000 in merchandise.

Bats invade Sevier County home

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:10:00 EDT

A homeowner in Sevier County called in wildlife experts for assistance to remove more than 30 bats from her attic.

Sevierville manufacturer to add 25 jobs

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:41:00 EDT

New jobs and a big capital investment are in the works at the Sevierville facility of Quality Solutions Group (QSG).

George Jones' back up vocalist remembers the country legend

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:53:00 EDT

For half a century, George Jones put 167 records on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart. Jones, 81, died Friday in Nashville after being hospitalized for a fever and irregular blood pressure.

Tennessee Murphy Beds manufactures space-saving, customizable beds

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EDT

If you need more space in your home or a guest room, one Tennessee company has way to accomplish both for you, in an easy and stylish way. We take you inside Tennessee Murphy Beds in this week's Made in Tennessee.

Pigeon Forge motorcycle officers soon to wear body cameras

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EDT

We've all seen dramatic video caught on police dash cams, but imagine if those cameras were on the police officers themselves.

'The Island' in Pigeon Forge nears completion

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:09:00 EDT

A new entertainment development in Pigeon Forge is nearing completion, as the finishing touches are put on the main attraction.

East Tennessee company turns up the hot sauce heat

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:07:00 EDT

The self-proclaimed king of fire is in East Tennessee. The Pepper Palace makes hundreds of hot sauces, salsas and rubs.

Jones Cove School's lottery-funded program gets results

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:08:00 EDT

Lottery sales in Tennessee benefit education, paying for college scholarships, early childhood programs and after school programs. In one Sevier County school, they're putting lottery funds to good use, boosting test scores, reading and students' confidence.

East Tennessee non-profits help schools battle bullying

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:02:00 EST

Bullying is no longer just a school problem, and experts say schools need lots of help dealing with the damaging and long lasting effects it can have on children.

Sevierville apple cider mill and general store offers all things authentic

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:17:00 EDT

Anytime is a good time to visit the Apple Barn Cider Mill and General Store in Sevierville. People drop by in droves and it's not unusual to find tour buses lined up outside the parking lot.

East Tennessee man's trail goes cold after 2005 disappearance

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST

Ray Newman, 48, disappeared from his Fentress County home in January 2005. Sheriff's detectives say although they don't have any clues about what happened to him, his past practice of trading pills in other counties may help provide answers.

Crews keep fire at Sevier County sandwich shop from spreading

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 07:36:00 EST

A fire broke out Sunday night at a restaurant in Sevier County, but crews were able to contain the flames to one building.

TV production on the upswing in East Tennessee

Wed, 3 Nov 2010 11:33:00 EDT

Several television programs have been shot and produced in East Tennessee. Just in the last four months, four major production companies have packed their camera bags and headed for Sever County.

East Tenn. troop reacts to Boy Scout decision

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:27:00 EDT

Members of The Boy Scouts of America are now speaking out about Thursday's historic vote to end the ban on openly gay members.

Knox County deputies apprehend violent sex offender

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:58:00 EDT

The search for a violent sex offender with an outstanding warrant for his arrest is over.

2 killed, 2 seriously injured in Bean Station pharmacy shooting

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:43:00 EDT

Two people were killed and another two hospitalized after a shooter opened fire in a Grainger County business.

Emails describe hostile work situation prior to Wright firing

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:05:00 EDT

A University of Tennessee administrator told her boss she was experiencing a hostile work environment in the days before she was fired.

Knoxville radio station switches frequency, format

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:42:00 EDT

Knoxville residents might have to change the dial if they want to hear their favorite stations.

Homeowner opposes UT plan to build new laboratory on historic properties

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:18:00 EDT

The University of Tennessee was granted the right to purchase three homes in Fort Sanders to build a new academic building, but the move has preservationists concerned.

Harriman plans recreation area at riverfront Superfund site

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:45:00 EDT

An old pulp and paper mill site has been added to the EPA's National Priorities List.

Two popular Knoxville bars among the five low scores this week

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:06:00 EDT

Five area restaurants scored poor health inspections reports this week.

Boaters reminded to stay safe on the lake ahead of Memorial Day weekend

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:18:00 EDT

Memorial Day weekends kicks off boating season here in East Tennessee. It is important to remember some safety tips before taking your boat out on the water.