Community
July 9, 2020 by Michelle Hollenhead
Summer program cancellations gave long-time friends Will Lewis and Michael Tarantino an idea to offer a fun-filled camp of their own.
Under the moniker “Splash ‘n Dash,” the 2017 Bearden High School graduates and current University of Tennessee rising seniors have been teaching and leading dozens of children ages 5 to 12 during three four-day sessions earlier this summer, with plans for three more in the weeks ahead.
They have 14 years of youth sports camp leadership experience between them, but it was a realization of a need that helped spur the camp.
Read More
July 9, 2020 by Tammy Cheek
Faith Soto, a 13-year-old active member of Farragut/Rocky Top 4-H Club, was named this year’s Knox County 4-H June Dairy chair.
A home-schooled student through Home Life Academy, she also is a 4-H Honor Club member, which is a state recognition, said Sarah Harrison-Brown, University of Tennessee-Knox County extension agent for 4-H Youth Development.
“There can only be one youth chairperson appointed in each county for the state of Tennessee,” Harrison-Brown added.
She said Soto was selected because of her involvement and contest participation in the Nutrition, Health &
Fitness Project, as well as a Dairy Project and Poultry Project.
“It feels pretty good,” Soto, daughter of Dorne and Heather Soto, said about being June dairy chair. “It’s been an incredible experience.”
Read More
July 9, 2020 by Stephanie Myers
Q: “Buster,” my German Shepherd, has lost some of his hair. My neighbor says he looks like he has the mange. I always thought that was just an expression, but she says that mange is a real thing. So, what is mange?
J.W., Farragut
Read More
July 9, 2020 by Michelle Hollenhead
Despite most Town of Farragut and area events being cancelled over the Independence Day holiday, Patriots of East Tennessee officials decided the fun and festivities would not be kept at bay.
The group hosted its own patriotic celebration, “Independence Day isn’t Cancelled,” just off Yarnell Road Saturday evening, July 4, complete with lemonade, food trucks, live music, outdoor games, fireworks and local dignitaries. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-2nd District) were two who spoke.
Well-known re-enactor Lynn Fox portrayed Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier, along with several others who were properly suited up for the occasion.
Read More
July 9, 2020 by Tammy Cheek
When The Villages of Farragut residents heard Faith Lutheran Church’s Shepherd of Hope food pantry needed donations, they responded in force.
“Our Villages’ Admiral’s Club (the community’s residents) raised $800 and The Villages of Farragut company matched it with $800,” said Sandi Simpson, events director for The Villages of Farragut, 230 Village Commons Blvd.
Simpson and Villages’ chef Colin Berke presented the $1,600 monetary donation, along with a pick-up truck filled with food and other donations, to Shepherd of Hope coordinator Jan Darnell at the church, 225 Jamestowne Blvd.
“It’s just unbelievable,” Darnell said. “You look at how it happened, and it is a God thing. He takes care of us.”
“It’s good to give back to the community,” Berke said.
Read More
July 9, 2020 by Michelle Hollenhead
Despite initial plans to open this Sunday, July 12, officials with Concord United Methodist Church have decided to delay to an undetermined date.
In his weekly e-mail to church members Friday, July 3, Senior Pastor Larry Trotter noted, “COVID-19 cases in Knox County have been rising significantly over the past several days.
“Additionally, there is the possibility of a spike from July 4 holiday gatherings. I have been talking with other pastors and staff and consulting our COVID Advisory team, which includes church members from the medical and educational communities. We determined it makes the most sense to postpone opening the church until we see the upward trend in COVID cases begin to ease.
“Knox County Schools will make a decision about the fall on July 15, which will also inform our decision making. I am disappointed but absolutely convinced that waiting is the right decision,” he added.
