October
November
Hemphill runs for freedom
Josh Hemphill, principal agent/owner with Josh Hemphill State Farm, 11420 Kingston Pike, made a run for freedom Thursday, Sept. 11. Hemphill and his team took part in the JHST Freedom Run to observe the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedies at New York’s Twin Towers and Washington, D.C.’s Pentagon. “We started the day with our JHSF Freedom Run, remembering the heroes lost on 9/11 and honoring the brave first responders and military who serve our communities every day,” Hemphill stated on his Facebook page. “This emotional run is more than just a run — it’s a tribute to their courage and sacrifice. “We invite you to show your gratitude by thanking your local police, firefighters, medical teams and military personnel,” he stated “You can also support them by sending a donation or sharing a special message of thanks. Let’s come together to honor and uplift those who protect us!” The JHSF Freedom Run is a reaction to a freedom run previously started by Justin Dutcher. In a later interview, Dutcher said he had just gotten into running in 2022, when he started training for the Knoxville marathon in 2023. “I am not a social media guy, but I had caught wind that over the years, especially since the pandemic, that some people had essentially lost sight of the meaning and importance of our flag,” he said. “It was very close to Sept. 11 when I had found this out, and I remembered, when all of that happened in 2001,
Read MoreFall is the perfect backdrop
With fall now in full swing, it’s time to get out and enjoy all the season has to offer. Fortunately, East Tennessee provides the perfect backdrop for the season, with a slew of autumnal activities for individuals of all ages. Below, we’ve highlighted just a few of the prime attractions right here in our local area. Blackburn Farm 405 Blackburn Lane, Lenoir City Blackburn Farm was established in 2023 by Liz and Brian Christiansen on a picturesque property in the heart of Lenoir City, fulfilling the couple’s longtime dream. “We’ve talked about doing a pumpkin patch ever since we first got married, which was 30 years ago,” said Liz, noting that the couple, originally from Upstate New York, lived all over the country before settling in East Tennessee. “As soon as we moved to the area 18 years ago, we knew this was where we were going to start it.” And after finding the Blackburn Lane property at an auction about four years ago, the rest is history. “We bought 5 acres, then bought 5 more from the guy that bought it next to us,” Liz said. This allows Blackburn Farm to offer a variety of fall-themed activities for the whole family. From the traditional corn maze and hay rides to hay bale swings, slides, corn pits and even a human hamster wheel, Liz said the property has it all. “We have pretty much everything that a pumpkin patch would have,” she said, adding the farm also plans to purchase an additional 5 acres. “So we’ll be expanding activities every year.” This year, for example, Blackburn Farm will have zip lines, a giant bounce pad, pumpkin bowling and basketball hoops made from large grain bins. Many of these activities will take place along the Clinch River. “That’s one of the things that make us really unique,” Liz said of the farm’s riverfront property. Blackburn Farm also offers a boutique gift shop, further elevating the overall experience. “My whole goal was to have a boutique-type pumpkin patch… I wanted it to be like Magnolia Farms meets pumpkin patch, so it’s just really cute,” Liz said. “What we’re famous for, though, is our apple cider slushie with a hot cinnamon-sugar donut on top. People come just for that.” Blackburn Farm will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Thursday, Oct. 1. The season will last through Tuesday, Nov. 1. For more information, visit blackburnfarm.net.
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