Opinion

Like many people in East Tennessee, my family has been deeply impacted by the opioid crisis. I saw first-hand how the cycle of addiction can hold a multi-generational grip on a family, and how hard it is to end it. That’s why, when I was crowned Miss Tennessee, I vowed that I would use the great opportunity afforded to me ...

By Phil Bredesen In today’s world, the internet is quickly becoming as vital as telephones, or electric power, or roads, or water and sewer services—a fifth utility. We use it to stay connected and informed, to shop, to communicate with others. It’s an important tool for nearly every business, which puts any place without reliable broadband internet access at a ...

We are trying to find a way to get a message to someone in the legislature that can change how overnight rental cabins are being classified as “single family dwellings” even though some have 16 bedrooms. They only pay the 25% tax basis instead of the 40% for commercial use. We are talking to our neighbors and friends, as this ...

Dear Editor, Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation would like to say a very special thank you to everyone who participated in Gatlinburg’s Earth Week Celebration presented by Hilton Garden Inn. This year’s events were extremely successful thanks to the continued partnership with Keep Sevier Beautiful and the more than 30 sponsors and booths from around the state who helped make ...

In September, the Tennessee Department of Health released some disturbing statistics about opioid overdoses in our state. 1,263 Tennesseans died from opioid overdoses in 2014 alone, meaning nearly 100 more deaths were caused by opioid overdoses across the state last year than in 2013. I am deeply concerned by this epidemic and believe we need to take action in light ...

To the Editor: If Congress fails to reach a federal budget resolution by midnight, September 30, 2015, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and hundreds of other National Park Service sites in America will close to the public indefinitely. Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosts over 35,000 visitors on average each DAY in October. Nationally, more than 715,000 visitors a day ...

We have been coming from Virginia to the spring (and sometimes fall) Rod Run for about 10 years now. We have traded cars, bought cars and sold cars. We love Pigeon Forge, and have even talked about moving down here upon occasion. We rent cabins and stay for 4 or 5 days each visit. We have enjoyed Dollywood, Gatlinburg and ...