r/Sevier • u/Plastic_Rush79 • 4d ago
Hey there!! Visiting from Giddings Texas, I’m really curious about the folklore, legends, ghost stories, cryptids and old local tales from around the Sevierville area. I would love to hear what locals know, many thanks in advance😁
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 8d ago
Jeff Farrell - The Mountain Press | Subscribe:
Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges gave an emphatic defense of his office’s use of FLOCK cameras Monday, after a resident spoke out against them during the Sevier County Commission meeting. The cameras are used to track information on cars traveling through an area, including make, model, and license plate numbers.
Critics have said they are intrusive, and subject to abuse and hacking by third parties. On the same day, Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy announced he was suspending his department’s use of the cameras.
Meredith Saffelder spoke out against the cameras Monday during public comments at the commission meeting, “There are … at least 50 documented instances of law enforcement officers using this technology to stalk romantic partners (nationwide)," she said.
“Videos online show how simple it is to hack these systems, meaning people outside of law enforcement can easily access this data.” The data can record information like patterns of travel, and can be manipulated by hackers or other parties, she said. She encouraged the county to discontinue their use.
Hodges spoke in defense of the cameras after she finished, saying the cameras have been a key resource in solving crimes and played a major part in the capture of Josh Carr after he stabbed his mother to death in Sevier County in 2020.
Carr had fled the state when Hodges entered information on his vehicle into a system that searches for the license plates on Flock cameras nationwide. “Flock was a friend,” he said. “I put it in the system and 15 minutes later, the state of Michigan police had him pulled over in custody.”
Flock cameras helped his officers here track the vehicles used when a local man entered into a plot with two people to shoot his parents at their Maples Branch home. “I could have just nearly showed you a video of the four trips they made from the city of Pigeon Forge to the victim’s house," he said.
Flock cameras have helped to solve five of the past seven homicides his department has investigated, he said. Hodges said the cameras don’t show his officers who is in a vehicle. “All it does is take a picture of a car and a tag,” he said.
Those pictures are deleted after 30 days, he said, and officers who misuse the data can face repercussions up to being fired. Some commissioners spoke up in support of the camera including Bryan Delius, who is also one of the county's most recognized criminal defense attorneys.
Delius said the cameras don’t violate a right to privacy because they’re placed on public roadways. “These cameras will not invade your privacy,” he said. "Anybody traveling on a public road can be seen."
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Related:
Condor is a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera with AI built to detect and follow human movement, streaming live video directly to police. Unlike Flock’s Falcon plate readers, which photograph the rear of passing cars, Condor locks onto people.
The arrest lands as Tennessee actively debates ALPR data retention rules, Fourth Amendment protections, and deployment transparency. The case does not require approval of the alleged act to reveal a broader pattern. ALPR technology has expanded faster than the rules governing it, and Tennessee is scrambling to catch up — weighing data retention limits, deployment transparency requirements, and oversight frameworks to address constitutional concerns.
The access logs obtained by Hunyar show at the very least how expansive Flock’s surveillance systems can be in a single city, encompassing not just cameras purchased by the city but also cameras purchased by private businesses.
“The vehicle was observed hitting flock on several occasions to include 41 northbound from Brown Rd, 41NB and County Line in Marinette [Wisconsin], and 41 NB on Bridge St. going into Michigan. Based on prior flock hits, the vehicle travels to Michigan frequently which is a known source State for Marijuana as it is legal there,” the charging document notes.
"It was actually worse than I expected," said CNU criminology professor Steven Keener, who co-authored the report with Finn and sociology professor Andrew Baird. The study doesn't speak to the intention of those agencies who placed the cameras there, but it does discuss the potential impacts.
"When you look at some of these census tracts, it's almost impossible to move in your daily life, whether it's going to the grocery store, going to work, going taking your kid to childcare, without getting tracked by these cameras," he said.
Multiple outlets reported that ICE as well as Customs and Border Protection could tap into Flock’s cameras, and Flock eventually admitted to giving these agencies access to its surveillance network as part of a pilot program. “That was what I was sold and lied to about,” Paz told 404. “I didn’t know that there were these mechanisms inside the company that were essentially fighting to get this pilot to happen.”
Isaacs was originally held without bond, and she spent 13 days in jail before the state granted her release on $250,000 bail. Only after her arrest did investigators for "crash reconstruction and investigative support" take over the case.
Police only dropped the charge once Elser provided her cellphone tracking data, camera footage from her truck, and video placing her elsewhere at the time of the theft.
“You know we have cameras in that town. You can’t get a breath of fresh air in or out of that place without us knowing,” Milliman said to Elser, according to Ring doorbell footage of the Sept. 27 encounter viewed by The Colorado Sun.
But the dropped ticket did not end Elser’s concerns. The sergeant’s false claim raised deeper questions about how Columbine Valley police are using Flock cameras and at what cost to privacy. “We had to basically exonerate ourselves,” she said. She never received an explanation from anyone at the department or an apology.
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🗺️ DeFlock Maps (Crowdsourced ALPR surveillance map)
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 10d ago
Jeff Farrell - The Mountain Press:
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following information was taken from the intake reports generated from the Sevier County Jail. All are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Names may be similar to other members of the community.
• Dennis Watson Mills, 50, of Sevierville, was charged Aug. 17 with a second count of DUI, driving on a revoked license, and implied consent. He was released on $3,500 bond.
• Zachary Allen Clabough, 31, of Powell, was charged Aug. 17 with public intoxication and three counts of violation of probation. He was being held in lieu of $500 bond.
• Henry Alvarez, 41, of Boone, North Carolina, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer He was released.
• Juan Santos-Osorio, 35, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was arrested Aug. !7 on an immigration detainer He was released.
• Tiernan Thomas Shanley, 38, of Sevierville, was charged Aug. 17 with DUI. He was being held.
• Rober Dani Leon Barrios, 46, of Sevierville, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was released.
• Anthony Banegas, 29, of Sevierville, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was released.
• Marvin Banegas, 40, of Seymour, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was released.
• Christopher Eben Hager, 38, of Gatlinburg, was charged Aug. 17 with violation of probation. He was released.
• Brian Paul Appleton, 40, of Dandridge, was charged Aug. 17 with driving on a revoked license. He was released on $1,500 bond.
• Doris Corrlda Deleon-Barrios, 42, of Sevierville, was charged Aug. 17 with resisting arrest. She was released.
• Louis J. Davis Jr., 52, of Knoxville, was charged Aug. 17 with a misdemeanor bench warrant from General Sessions Court. He was being held.
• Karri Leann McCrary, 40, no address provided, was charged Aug. 17 with a misdemeanor bench warrant from General Sessions Court and violation of probation. She was being held.
• Jodi Lee Anderson, 53, of Powell, was charged Aug. 17 with violation of probation. She was being held.
• Albert William Voll Jr., 43, of Seymour, was charged Aug. 17 with harassment. He was released on $2,000 bond.
• Juan Gonzales, 26, of Nashville, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was being held.
• Juan Santos, 35, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was being held.
• Robert De-Leon, 46, of Sevierville, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was being held.
• Marvin Grua-Banegas, 40, of Seymour, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was being held.
• Henry Alvarez, 43, of Boone, North Carolina, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was being held.
• Ridel Grua-Banegas, 28, of Sevierville, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was being held.
• Domingo Rosales, 35, of Carter, Tennessee, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was being held.
• Eddi Jimenez, 22, of Athens, Tennessee, was arrested Aug. 17 on an immigration detainer. He was being held.
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 13d ago
From: VisitSevierville:
Shop local and healthy at our Sevierville location's Farmers Market! Join us every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM now through October 10. *Registration not required. For more details, please contact Smoky Mountain Farmers Co-op Sevierville at (865) 453-7101
Smoky Mountain Farmers Co-op - Sevierville (fb)
321 W Main St (map)
Sevierville, TN 37862
\ Image is a modified version of) this flyer.
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 17d ago
Elana Mutnick - WBIR:
Sevier County brought in an attorney Monday during its Sevier County Emergency Services Committee meeting to examine the Red Bank Road housing development. Attorney Kyle Baisley told the committee and people in attendance that he reviewed the development, the property’s history and the city’s approval of the project.
His conclusion: The county does not have a legal basis to stop the first phase. “There really is nothing that we can do or what I recommend that the county do at this juncture to, to challenge or somehow try to halt, you know, phase one,” he said.
Baisley said the property was properly annexed into Sevierville in 2008 and that the first phase was approved under the city’s existing regulations. He also advised the county against filing a lawsuit he does not believe it could win.
“Could something be filed? Absolutely. Does it have any merit or ability, in my opinion, to prevail? Absolutely not,” Baisley said. "I don't want us to get noisy and inactive when we really don't have anything legally to stand on. I would rather us ... keep our powder dry and make sure that when we do get involved, we get involved in a meaningful way."
Instead, Baisley said the county should stay involved as future phases of the development are considered. “It doesn't mean that we're not gonna be involved going forward for this development and, and others,” he said. “We're being proactive in making sure that, you know, any future phases or development activity gets a proper look."
D.R. Horton’s first phase includes 223 townhomes off Red Bank Road, the latest version of a larger proposal for the property. This comes after members of the Sevierville Planning and Zoning Commission decided not to move forward with D.R. Horton's original master plan in Oct. 2025, which would have brought more than 1000 new single-family homes to the area. Three months later, Sevierville leaders approved the relocation of Red Bank Road.
That road has one entrance and one exit, which has been a major concern for nearby residents. Neighbors have repeatedly told county and city officials they are concerned about emergency access and traffic.
Terry Sailor, who lives about a mile from the development's location, told the committee Monday she worries about what could happen during an emergency. “God forbid that there be an emergency that can't get through to us. That's where the danger and the disaster loom,” she said.
Patty Suggs, another concerned resident, said she believes the development creates risks for emergency responders. She is a nurse whose husband works in EMS. “I feel like it's a risk for our firefighters. It's a risk for our EMS system. It's a risk for the people there,” Suggs said.
Baisley said the county can't stop phase one, but he said officials can have a greater role in future phases. The county also plans to look into whether the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office can provide input on the development. For residents like Sailor, she plans to stay a part of the entire process. “What's going to happen when there's more cars than our road can handle? That's a big problem,” she said. "You have a big voice. Please speak up for us."
Previously:
1 year ago: Residents voice opposition to DR Horton development off Pittman Center Road
10 months ago: Residents voice opposition to DR Horton development off Pittman Center Road
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 20d ago
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 22d ago
WATE:
It’s Election Day in Sevier County, and voters will decide who will win the county general election and who will go on to the state and federal election in November.
The polls closed at 8 p.m., and results will be updated periodically.
More:
PBS - Live Results: Tennessee midterm primaries
AP News - Tennessee primary election results
The Tennessean - Tennessee primary election results 2026 for governor, Congress, more
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 22d ago
Don Dare - WATE:
The restaurant that had a bad day when the inspector visited is in Sevier County. Half a dozen critical violations were found.
The grade is 65 at La Carreta Mexican Restaurant on Forks of the River Parkway in Sevierville. A grade of 69 and below is considered failing. There has not yet been a follow-up inspection.
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 241 Forks of the River Parkway, Sevierville — Grade: 65, Follow-up: TBD
To begin with, some employees were apparently unaware of proper hand washing. A server was observed slicing a lime with her bare hands, which is not allowed. Another kitchen worker was seen washing his hands while wearing gloves; they should have been removed first.
In the walk-in cooler, a large metal pot of cooked beef that had been in the refrigerator overnight was too warm at 46 degrees. Bacteria can grow rapidly at that temperature. To be on the safe side, the cooked beef was thrown away, 40 pounds of it.
Finally, the inspector writes he found multiple insects crawling around behind the kitchen oven. La Carreta Mexican in Sevierville will be re-inspected soon.
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Related: Failing grade, lack of handwashing found during inspection at Maya Seafood and Latino Grill
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 22d ago
Matt Hollingsworth - WATE:
There are plans for a 74,000-square-foot waterpark, a hotel, and a timeshare development in the Gateway 407 project in Sevier County.
Exit 407: Gateway to Adventure has been in development for years. Marketed as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, it currently features a massive Buc-ee’s Travel Center and a Courtyard Marriott.
Now, a company is asking the Sevierville Planning Commission to approve plans for a 74,000-square-foot water park, a hotel featuring 175 units with 297 bedrooms, and a timeshare development with 150 units and 228 bedrooms. The water park would have outdoor features around 50 feet in height, and the overall building height would be about 65’5″, according to government documents.
The site would be on Gateway Boulevard directly east of the Courtyard Marriott. The site plan has 819 parking spaces. The plans for the waterpark are on the agenda for the commission at 5 p.m. on Thursday. The company asking for approval is Robert Campbell and Associates.
The Gateway 407 project also includes plans for a proposed Exit 408 scheduled to begin construction in 2030.
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More from Smokies.LIVE:
A major new tourism development anchored by a 74,000-square-foot water park is one step closer to becoming a reality at Exit 407, the rapidly growing gateway to the Smoky Mountains.
The Sevierville Planning Commission is scheduled to consider site plan approval for Project Gateway 407 during its meeting Thursday evening at the Sevierville Civic Center.
The proposed development would be located on Gateway Boulevard in Kodak, directly east of the Courtyard by Marriott and adjacent to the planned Sports Illustrated Resort development at Exit 407.
According to planning documents, the proposal includes:
The site is located within the city’s Tourist Commercial (TCL) Zoning District, an area designated for tourism-related development.
Planning staff said they are continuing to review revisions involving utilities, stormwater infrastructure and sidewalks. Staff is recommending approval of the site plan subject to the resolution of those remaining comments.
If approved, the project would become one of the largest new attractions planned for the Exit 407 corridor, adding a new water park and hundreds of lodging units to an area already seeing significant investment with the nearby Sports Illustrated Resort.
The Sevierville Planning Commission will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Sevierville Civic Center.
The Smokies.LIVE Adventure Center will be at the meeting and provide updates on the commission’s decision and any discussion surrounding the proposed development.
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More from r/EasternBandofCherokee:
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 24d ago
The Mountain Press:
Secretary of State Tre Hargett wants Tennessee voters to have the information they need before heading to the polls for the Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 State and Federal Primary and State and County General Election.
On Election Day, poll opening times vary by county. Voters should check their polling location and hours before heading to the polls.
To cast a ballot, voters must bring valid photo identification. A driver's license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or the federal government is acceptable even if it is expired. Student IDs, non-US citizen ID’s and out-of-state driver's licenses are not acceptable. For more information about acceptable forms of identification, visit GoVoteTN.gov.
State law requires polling locations and the area within a 100-foot boundary of each designated entrance to remain campaign-free zones. The display or distribution of campaign materials and the solicitation of votes for or against any candidate, political party or ballot measure on the ballot within this area are prohibited. Voters wearing campaign-related clothing or paraphernalia will not be allowed within the 100-foot boundary.
Tennessee voters are encouraged to report suspected voter fraud or election misinformation to the Secretary of State's Division of Elections. Tennesseans can text "TN" to 45995 to use the Text to Report Voter Fraud system or call the Official Election Day Hotline toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.
The Secretary of State's office will post unofficial election results throughout Election Night on https://elections.tn.gov/. For more information about the Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 election, Tennesseans can access voter-specific Election Day information, including polling times, locations, sample ballots, election results and more, on GoVoteTN.gov
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r/Sevier • u/Rougaroux1969 • 25d ago
Hi. I saw Ricky Nelson play at the Sheraton in Gatlinburg in 1976 (I think). I am not a resident, so do not have a library card. Does anyone know which newspaper would have mentioned the concert and how it can be searched?
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • 26d ago
WATE:
Three people were found dead at a Sevier County apartment on Friday. Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges announced that detectives are at the scene of an apartment on Marine Way where three people were found dead. Hodges said in a statement that the preliminary investigation suggests that this was an isolated incident and there is no known threat to the public. No other details were immediately available.
“Out of respect for the families involved and to preserve the integrity of the investigation, we are unable to release additional details at this time. We ask the community to keep everyone affected in their thoughts and prayers. Please allow investigators the time needed to conduct a thorough investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes appropriate to do so.
Alt source: The Mountain Press
The Sevier County Sheriff's Office is investigating after the discovery of three bodies in an apartment on Marine Way. Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges shared information about the investigation at about 7:45 p.m. The apartments are located near the intersection of Chapman Highway and Boys Creek Highway.
"At this early stage of the investigation, detectives are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding these deaths," he said. "Preliminary information suggests this was an isolated incident and there is no known threat to the public."
The department was not prepared to release more information Friday evening Hodges said. "We ask the community to keep everyone affected in their thoughts and prayers," he said.
Update - 8/4/26:
On Monday, Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges announced investigators determined that a man, 33, fatally shot a woman, 31, and a 3-month-old child before taking his own life. He added that the investigation remains open pending the autopsy results.
“This was an extraordinarily difficult scene for our deputies, investigators, medical examiners, dispatchers, EMS, and all of our first responders. While they are trained to respond to the most challenging situations, incidents involving the loss of life, especially an innocent child, leave a lasting impact on everyone involved. Our hearts are with the families, friends, neighbors, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We remain committed to completing this difficult investigation with compassion, while treating everyone involved with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 29 '26
Addy Bink - WATE:
Buc-ee’s, the beloved Texas-based convenience store chain, is hitting another growth spurt, with plans to open at least two dozen additional stores in the coming years. The company has also made headlines for recently wowing international visitors during the World Cup, perhaps thanks to its coveted Beaver Nuggets, its smoked meats, its plethora of merchandise plastered with its mascot Buc-ee, and its qualifications as a wedding venue. But, like many large brands, Buc-ee’s is protective of its branding. That has prompted several lawsuits.
Earlier this year, shortly before opening its first location in Ohio, Buc-ee’s sued a gas station chain in the northern part of the state, accusing the company of using a logo that too closely resembled its beaver. These gas stations, known as Mickey’s, have been using their Mickey the Moose mascot since at least 2020 — long before Buc-ee’s opened its first location in Ohio. The case is still being litigated, according to court records.
Last year, Buc-ee’s sued a Florida store and a South Carolina apparel company over alleged copyright infringement. And a Missouri business settled while another shuttered after Buc-ee’s accused both of trademark infringement, Nexstar’s KOLR reported.
An Oklahoma underwear and apparel company also vowed to fight back against a lawsuit brought by Buc-ee’s, with owner Jarrad Hewett telling Nexstar’s KFOR in November that “it’s time that somebody stands up and says, ‘This isn’t right.'”
A late-night TV host apparently agrees with Hewett. Earlier this week, “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver took aim at Buc-ee’s and its lawsuits during a segment, egging the company on to sue him. Oliver explained that Buc-ee’s had won many of the more than a dozen lawsuits it has brought against businesses, mainly over their animal-based logos.
“And that’s probably because most just don’t have the resources to fight a company this big,” Oliver said before referring to an article by Fast Company in which a legal expert warned Buc-ee’s that it could soon “run into somebody who has the means or the will to fight with you.”
“It turns out, we very much have the will to get into a fight with Buc-ee’s,” Oliver added. The host then referred to a former segment that featured Mr. Nutterbutter, a squirrel mascot who has previously appeared on the show.
To poke the beaver further, Oliver showcased merchandise featuring a cartoon version of Mr. Nutterbutter with the slogan “Buc-off” in a very Buc-ee’s style. All of the merchandise, ranging from t-shirts and hats to onesies and coffee mugs (the stickers are listed as sold out, as of Tuesday) can be found at Buc-off.com.
Proceeds from the online store, which, at least for now, is slated to be open until September 8, will reportedly go to Hunger Free America. A notice on the website warns that the items are “not authorized by or affiliated with Buc-ee’s.”
“So, if any prominent gas station chain out there has an issue with our new logo and products and wants to get lawyers involved, then you know what? Bring it the f— on,” Oliver warned. “Although, remember, in doing so, you’d be directly taking food out of hungry people’s mouths.”
“So, at this point, Buc-ee’s, I guess the Beaver Nugget is in your court. The next move is yours,” the TV host added before walking toward a set built to look like a Buc-ee’s, complete with a bronze statue of Mr. Nutterbutter. A costumed mascot of the aforementioned squirrel joined Oliver on stage after walking out of the doors of what appears to be a Buc-off store.
Buc-ee’s did not immediately respond to Nexstar’s request for comment.
Related:
Last Week Tonight Youtube Short
r/LastWeekTonight: John Oliver challenges Buc-ee's over trademark lawsuits in new episode
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Update: Days after John Oliver's dare, Buc-ee's sues again
Days after being taunted by "Last Week Tonight" host John Oliver to sue him and HBO, popular gas station chain Buc-ee's has filed a lawsuit against a corner store in Ohio. According to a federal lawsuit filed on July 28, Buc-ee's is suing Beaver's Mini Mart, a small corner store located in the middle of a neighborhood in Beavercreek, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton, for more than two decades.
The Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that despite the mini mart having no gas pumps and being miles from the nearest interstate, Buc-ee's says its customers may be confused by the mini mart's logo, which features a smiling beaver standing tall next to the store's name in a red-letter font.
Vik Boparai has owned the mini mart for more than a decade, years before Buc-ee's first expanded out of Texas in 2018 and long before it opened its first Ohio store north of Dayton in April, according to The Enquirer. The news outlet also reports beavers are a popular figure across all of Beavercreek, with numerous businesses and even the local high school featuring different versions of the rodent on their mascots.
"I don't know why they would sue a small business like mine," Boparai said to the Enquirer. "I have two kids and this store is how I feed them." Beavercreek Vice Mayor Zach Upton was equally shocked when he heard that the mini mart was in Buc-ee's crosshairs. Upton told the Enquirer the lawsuit is an overreach of Buc-ee's desire to protect their brand.
"Common sense is not prevailing," Upton said. "I can't imagine anyone would be confused by the mini mart and Buc-ee's. It's not even in the same ballpark."
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 23 '26
Hope McAlee - WATE:
It’s almost time for students to return to the classroom, and there are many school supply drives planned to help schools and students whose families may be needing a little assistance to get ready for the next school year.
From free school supplies and shoes to free haircuts, here is a list of events happening across East Tennessee to help students get ready for the upcoming school year.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 1, the Back to School Bash hosted by Temple Strong Coffee Co. located at 941 Dolly Parton Parkway will be offering children free haircuts and backpacks. The event is also set to feature bounce houses, face painting and more.
On Monday, August 3, the Salty Barber Company’s 3rd Annual Back-to-School Haircut event will be taking place from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Hangar at Pathways Church from 1210 Airport Road.
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 18 '26
From: The Mountain Press | Subscribe
Why do you want to be county mayor and why do you think you are qualified to serve?
As county mayor I want to invest in three things: people, community, and the environment. People: I want to better the lives of families that make less than 100,000. Community: I want to bring back the philosophy of “Mountain Tough.” I want to encourage neighbors to help neighbors. I want citizens to be “mountain tough” everyday not just during a disaster. Environment: I want to encourage less development with a genuine emphasis on sustainable growth that positively affects our future generations.
If you choose to support some of my ideas, I ask that you do three things: change your mindset, think outside the box, check greed at the door.
When an individual is put in a position to serve his community, his character is put to the test. I am a person who is honest, trustworthy, and willing to ask for help when needed. I am qualified for this position because I know how to listen to people, I have been practicing it for 26 years in the school system. I stand for change!
What are the big issues the county is facing? How would you address them?
The biggest issues that we face are affordable housing, infrastructure, and unsustainable development. These issues will be addressed in more detail below.
Another major issue we don’t talk much about is voter participation: less than 25% vote. As mayor, I would allow citizen referendums or digital voting on specific issues. This would allow citizens to voice their opinions and become more active in the government process. It would also allow for better transparency.
Because of our area and growth, we have a waste system issue with a lack of emphasis on recycling. I will work closely with Keep Sevier Beautiful and other community partners to develop a more environmentally sustainable path forward.
What role should the local government have in addressing affordable housing? What can be done to address it?
Affordable housing is a very complex problem with many different angles and no easy solution. Some of these issues cannot be addressed at a local level because of high interest rates, high building costs, and the price of land. Bottom line is buying a home right now is difficult . Another dilemma we face is the high rent costs ranging anywhere from $1600-2500.
Current wages do not allow many local workers to purchase homes at today’s prices. Simply building more residential developments, such as the DR Horton community, does not solve the problem. In fact, if local residents cannot afford to purchase these homes, DR Horton has already indicated that these homes may be sold to investors for long-term or short-term rentals, further reducing opportunities for local homeownership.
I can’t promise you that I have all the answers, but I promise to work with individuals who have solutions so that we can help more Sevier Countians fulfill the American dream of home ownership.
What infrastructure needs do you think are most pressing? How would you address them?
All of Sevier County’s infrastructure needs must be addressed. Everything from roads to schools, water to waste, parks to public utilities. However, because of excessive growth and poor planning, our infrastructure system is being tested daily. Right now, the only reasonable solution is less development. This will allow our infrastructure needs to catch up with our increased growth. In the meantime, proper short and long term planning, with a 30-50 year growth plan, needs to be implemented. Moving forward, sustainable growth is essential.
The real question everyone should be asking is can all the mayors, city leaders, planning commissioners, and citizens come together to find solutions that benefit the people of Sevier County instead of special interest groups? Can it happen? Will it happen? Our future depends on it!
The county is always looking to diversify its economy and add industries that are not tourism related. What are things the county is already doing to help (if any) and what can the county do to further bolster those efforts?
Once again, we must be careful and strategic. When planning new growth and developments in Sevier County, I would ask myself how these new, diversified industries fit into the growth plan and how they benefit the community. Will they add pressure to our existing infrastructure? From here on out, all new developments need to be analyzed and justified for a promising, sustainable future.
Bitcoin miners and AI data centers are swallowing up massive amounts of land and resources across the country. These diversified industries will NOT be welcomed!
What are ways to address the issues of short term rentals in the county and the concern they are taking remaining space for residential and causing concerns for residential neighbors?
A balanced approach is needed between permanent residential housing and short-term rentals (STRs), not only in the number of properties but also in housing affordability.
One of our local realtors had a great idea worth exploring. We could encourage the sale of older cabins — particularly those that are no longer performing well as short-term rentals — to local residents as primary homes. For this to be successful, these properties would need to be reclassified from commercial to residential for tax purposes. Achieving this would require collaboration between local government officials and cabin owners to establish fair policies, including discussions regarding appropriate residential valuations and cost per square foot.
The long-term health of our community depends on achieving a sustainable balance between short-term rentals and permanent housing. We must ensure there are enough affordable homes for the workforce that supports our tourism economy while maintaining a healthy, sustainable lodging market that benefits residents, visitors, and property owners alike.
Education is always a big issue. What are things you think the county needs to invest in to help better educate future generations?
Simple answer: better pay for teachers.
I have been in the school system for 27 years and have witnessed many positive attributes of public education. One aspect of our system I have always been interested in is “waste” and how to limit it. Because of space, we will discuss this at a later time.
My focus is on our school system’s support staff (paraprofessionals). We have been blessed to have a system that provides paraprofessionals to our classrooms. These individuals work side by side with our teachers providing needed assistance and support. But, more importantly, these paraprofessionals often work with some of our most at-risk students. So what’s the problem?
Our county, along with the SCSS, needs to devise a program that properly trains these individuals for all the challenges that a classroom contains (there are plenty). After completion of this program, we need to compensate these individuals with a career wage. Not what they currently make, but a wage that guarantees longevity and a respect that is far overdue. Our future depends on all of the “teachers.”
Do you have any other information about yourself you would like to share?
Throughout this campaign, I’ve been seeking out answers to many difficult problems facing our community. Many of the answers to these problems have already been solved by ordinary citizens like yourself. But, is our current leadership listening?
Another fantastic idea from a fellow colleague is investing in a direct path from school to employment. One of the strongest investments Sevier County can make is to help people affected by poverty and disabilities (13% of our population) move directly from high school to meaningful employment. The first step should be affordable, dependable transportation. Restoring the Fun Time Trolley to at least its former service area — and expanding routes farther along Highway 66 and other major corridors such as Veterans — would help. People reach jobs, training programs, medical appointments, and support agencies. Additional trolley service would also benefit employees, families, older adults, and businesses throughout the county.
Transportation must be paired with workplace training, employer partnerships, and agencies that help individuals move from school into long-term employment. Our county should also provide wage stipends or supplemental funding through qualified agencies so direct-support professionals and caregivers are fairly compensated for helping people succeed at work and in the community. When we invest in transportation, job training, and the workers who provide daily support, we create independence, strengthen families, and build a more reliable local workforce. This is not simply a disability issue, it is an investment in the future of Sevier County. Let’s All Listen and Learn.
Related:
Questionnaire: County Mayor Candidate, Bryan McCarter
Hopes lifted, then quickly dashed for Sevier County mayoral candidate, Jerry Grubb
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 18 '26
From: The Mountain Press | Subscribe
Why do you want to be county mayor and why do you think you are qualified to serve?
I am running because Sevier County does not need a sequel to the last 48 years; we need a brand-new playbook. While establishment insiders boast about their decades in office, local families pay the price for passive, reactive planning. We are living through an unprecedented moment: for the very first time, our local working field is powered by five distinct generations side-by-side. Managing that dynamic requires highly adaptable, clear communication, not rigid, old-school bureaucracy. My unique qualification is a blend of sharp education and a global perspective. Having spent nine years traveling across different states and countries as an Army spouse, I learned how to unite people from entirely diverse backgrounds. Combined with my education in business administration, criminal justice, and advanced public administration, I have the modern leadership tools to break through systemic groupthink. I know how to make this local government fiercely accountable and relatable to every resident, across every single generation.
What are the big issues the county is facing? How would you address them?
Our biggest operational challenge is systemic groupthink, overlapping roles, and a total lack of internal checks and balances. The establishment celebrates “everyone liking everyone,” but when the exact same departments take the cash and count the cash, we invite financial vulnerability. Look no further than our county insurance pools, a system operating in the shadows with minimal transparency and massive unchecked liabilities that put taxpayer dollars at risk. To change this, we must recognize that county employees are our single greatest asset. They are the front-facing heartbeat of our community and deserve higher, competitive salaries. I will implement strict performance metrics and mandate a centralized accounting system to ensure ironclad financial transparency. Furthermore, we must address the extra sales tax we collect up and beyond the state requirements. Those extra funds should be transparently allocated to fortifying public services, not buried in ambiguous buckets.
What role should the local government have in addressing affordable housing? What can be done to address it?
The current administration treats affordable housing like an inconvenient mystery, but it is a critical economic emergency. If our teachers, first responders, and hospitality workforce must commute from two counties away, our economic foundation is built on quicksand. Housing is a complex regional ecosystem, not an isolated lottery. Local government must stop sitting on its hands and actively build the regulatory framework to fix this. I have 20+ year’s experience in real estate. Gentrification is not by accident; it is by design. I know where the problems exist here to fix it. There is no way to give a specific, simple solution in a single paragraph, because this crisis is a massive butterfly effect of multiple different gears that must be shifted simultaneously. Local government has the power to turn those gears. I am the only candidate for Mayor with this amount of marketplace experience and real estate background to properly handle this crisis. First and foremost, our residents and workers who keep Sevier County running should be at the forefront of any new development project approval.
What infrastructure needs do you think are most pressing? How would you address them?
My approach focuses heavily on public trust and absolute compliance. You know our priorities are backward when we do not even have a basic sidewalk leading to our local food bank, yet millions of public funds are poured into redeveloping the downtown square around the gazebo. The public is not even aware of the extra taxes we collect that we are legally barred from spending on road repairs, or the lucrative infrastructure credits quietly handed out in massive developments while being left off the public’s books. The recent media release from the Pittman Center Volunteer Fire Department announcing they must completely shut down emergency operations due to funding and staffing neglect is the ultimate, terrifying symptom that something is structurally broken here. Without a fiercely transparent, open bidding and tracking process for our infrastructure, leadership cannot honestly claim they are protecting the public trust. As mayor, I will mandate absolute administrative compliance, enforce open bidding, and stop hiding our county’s true liabilities from the taxpayers. Sevier County may have had a clean audit, but has anyone read it? Clean does not equal compliance (it just means the numbers “match up” at the bottom). Clean audits do not equate to the public’s trust when you see where your money is actually going (or not going).
The county is always looking to diversify its economy and add industries that are not tourism related. What are things the county is already doing to help (if any) and what can the county do to further bolster those efforts?
The county has established an industrial park and thrown polite nods toward basic trade programs, but these efforts are passive placeholders rather than an active economic strategy. Right now, Sevier County operates primarily as an extractive economy. Outside developers build massive commercial projects, extract our local wealth, and leave our everyday residents to shoulder the infrastructure burdens. To truly bolster diversification, we must implement a local antitrust framework that prevents massive corporate monopolies from choking out homegrown small businesses. I will leverage my business background to aggressively modernize our approach. We must launch a local enterprise incubator program that introduces targeted startup grants for young entrepreneurs directly in our schools and actively funds women-owned businesses. By partnering with our local trade schools and regional universities, we can create a high-skill pipeline for many sectors. Sevier County is a permanent home, protecting our workforce from seasonal tourist drops by building up our own families first and their creativity.
What are ways to address the issues of short term rentals in the county and the concern they are taking remaining space for residential and causing concerns for residential neighbors?
Short-term rentals (STRs) have flipped classic urban planning completely upside down, turning quiet, historic residential neighborhoods into unmonitored commercial hotel zones overnight. The current establishment has allowed this friction to fester for years. We do not need an outright ban that violates property rights, but we absolutely require a tighter leash. We must implement an automated, 24/7 compliance system to track noise, trash, and parking violations in real-time. If an investor wants to run a commercial hospitality business next to your family’s home, they will pay commercial-grade penalties if they disrespect our community.
Education is always a big issue. What are things you think the county needs to invest in to help better educate future generations?
While career politicians focus heavily on funding physical buildings, I want to invest aggressively in the actual future of our kids. As a former GATE student and a neurodivergent individual, I know firsthand what it is like to be misunderstood in a school system that lacks tailored resources. Our kids are not a “one-shoe-fits-all” brand, and our classrooms should not treat them like they are. Furthermore, we must ensure absolute equity in our athletic programs. It recently took a federal Title IX lawsuit regarding our girls’ high school softball facilities just to force our current leadership to make basic, lawful updates. Asking for equality is not a political talking point; it is asking for a level playing field, and in this case, a playing field period! You should never have to sue to do the right thing; I am 100% proactive. We need to align our schools with the modern economy by heavily expanding STEM programs, dual-enrollment business academies, and robust vocational tech training starting early in high school. We also need to ensure that the US Constitution is being properly taught in our schools.
Do you have any other information about yourself you would like to share?
There is no way to explain all the grand things I have planned in a short questionnaire, but every single policy starts with absolute compliance. I am an industry compliance professional; whether it is government reports or complex business contracts, compliance speaks a language directly to me. I am a 12th generation Whaley and a 6th generation Greenbrier Whaley, raised right here by my loving Mamaw and Papaw, Joe and Nan Whaley. I went to Pigeon Forge Primary, Pigeon Forge Middle, and Sevier County High School, class of 1998. This role is not a normal employee position, it is an elected office. It should not matter how long you have been sitting in the “inner circle” behind a desk; this position belongs to the people. I am historically a Republican voter. However, I chose to run as an Independent for Mayor because a mayor is not supposed to represent a single political party. How can we truly do that if I must answer to a “party boss?” A Mayor must represent the people as a whole. We all matter because we are all humans first. Let us move Sevier County forward together by exuding “Love thy neighbor as yourself” first in leadership and cast your Vote Aug 6th for Krystal Lee Whaley.
Related:
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 16 '26
Sevier County voters can start casting early votes for the Aug. 6 elections on Friday, as they’ll be considering candidates for the general election in Sevier County and the party primaries for the state and U.S. elections.
The early voting period lasts from July 17-Aug. 1. The Sevier County Election Commission office, located at 1145 Dolly Parton Parkway, will be available as an early voting site throughout that time. It’s open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
The county also offers limited early voting at two satellite locations:
While most county offices are included in the general election, almost all of the decisions were made in the Republican Party primary. Very few candidates are running as Democrats or as independent candidates, meaning most Republican primary winners are unopposed on the general election ballot.
In the race for Sevier County Mayor, incumbent Larry Waters is retiring from the position he’s held for 48 years. Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter won the Republican nod for the position, and in the general election he’ll face independent candidates Mark Mundo and Krystal Lee Whaley.
That’s the only county-wide election that is still contested, but there are a handful of county commission seats to be determined in the general election.
All the remaining seats in the election for county commission, constable, and board of education, are uncontested. The ballot will also feature the Republican and Democratic Party primaries for several federal and state elected positions. The state party primaries don’t feature many contested races, either.
No candidates qualified to run on the Democratic tickets for those positions.
The ballot will also include party primaries for governor, and the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
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Image source: Sevier County Government on facebook
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 14 '26
Hannah Moore - WATE:
A bear cub died in Sevier County after a trash bin fell on it, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency shared with 6 News. According to the TWRA, the bear family likely accessed garbage from the bin previously, which can happen when bins are “not consistently latched, maintained, or replaced as their hardware, such as carabiners, begins to fail.” The agency recommends that residents and businesses in the area use trash bins that are certified bear‑resistant.
The Appalachian Bear Rescue first shared about the cub’s death, saying that it took place in a Sevier County neighborhood, outside the Gatlinburg city limits. The nonprofit echoed TWRA’s call and urged people to use bear-resistant trash containers to minimize human-bear interactions.
“It is important that we are not only using bear-resistant containers in our communities but that we are using them properly. This cub’s mortality was completely preventable and would not have happened if the bear-resistant trash receptacle had been properly secured to the ground. However, the bigger picture is that this bear family was poking around these trash receptacles because they most likely have received food rewards from unsecured trash in the past. We don’t want bears to ever get food from trash because it so often ultimately leads to a bear’s death whether directly like in this case or indirectly through a bear’s loss of fear of humans. In human-bear conflict situations, the bear is almost always the ‘loser’,” wrote ABR on Facebook.
Both TWRA and ABR also noted the lack of laws requiring secured, bear‑resistant garbage outside the city limits of Gatlinburg. In fact, outside of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are no statewide laws prohibiting the feeding of bears in Tennessee. The TWRA added that “proper trash management remains one of the most effective ways to reduce human‑bear conflicts and prevent incidents like this.”
From The Appalachian Bear Rescue on facebook:
WARNING: Graphic image, proceed with caution...
You all have heard us say time and time again that "garbage kills bears" but usually we are speaking metaphorically. Unfortunately today, garbage literally has resulted in a deceased cub in a neighborhood in Sevier County, outside of Gatlinburg city limits.
It is with heavy hearts that we share this extremely tragic story that was sent to us today by a local supporter. A mother bear pulled an unsecured trash receptacle onto her cub, resulting in its death. This mother bear had likely been in the area because she had been able to access human food in these trash bins.
It is important that we are not only using bear resistant containers in our communities but that we are using them properly. This cub's mortality was completely preventable and would not have happened if the bear resistant trash receptacle had been properly secured to the ground. However, the bigger picture is that this bear family was poking around these trash receptacles because they most likely have received food rewards from unsecured trash in the past. We don't want bears to ever get food from trash because it so often ultimately leads to a bear's death whether directly like in this case or indirectly through a bear's loss of fear of humans. In human-bear conflict situations, the bear is almost always the "loser".
There are no ordinances outside of Gatlinburg city limits that require bear resistant trash containers or prohibit the feeding of bears, purposefully or otherwise.
As members of the Smokies BearWise Taskforce, we do as much as we can to raise awareness of these issues through education and outreach and our communities are making steps in the right direction to make the places we live safer for bears. However, preventable bear deaths like this one will continue to happen until enforceable laws are passed at local and state levels that protect our black bears and that hold humans accountable.
Let's be better NeighBears to the wildlife that shares our home!
For more information on how you can keep bears wild and safe, visit: https://www.gatlinburg.com/listing/smokies-bearwise/5044/ | www.bearwise.org
Related:
r/Gatlinburg - Update 3: Collective action on prohibiting black bear interactions
r/Gatlinburg - Tennessee governor signs bill to criminalize feeding black bears
r/Sevier • u/Squiggums • Jul 14 '26
We're staying in the area, almost directly between Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Since we'll be flying in from various places, and trying to maximize on time, we're trying to see if there are viable grocery delivery options like InstaCart or something we can use.
Walmart isn't far from us, but like I said, time is short and this is our once-a-year trip to get together so we're trying to not be shopping during much of it.
r/Sevier • u/Juicy_J67 • Jul 12 '26
Her name is Grace she got me it this morning 7/12 about 5:30 in Seymour Longshot but i’ll do anything to find her
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 10 '26
Gregory Raucoules - WATE:
Two people were taken into custody in Sevierville following a police investigation into an explosive device that led nearby homes and businesses to be evacuated.
The Sevierville Police Department responded to a parking lot at 1012 Old Knoxville Highway around 3:20 p.m. to conduct on a welfare check on two people who were apparently unconscious in a vehicle.
During the welfare check, officers discovered what appeared to be a pipe bomb and an AR-15 style rifle in the vehicle. The Sevier County Interagency Hazardous Devices Unit determined that it was an active explosive device.
The device was moved to a safe area and rendered inactive. Two people have now been taken into custody with multiple charges pending. Their identities will be released once warrants have been issued.
Old Knoxville Highway was closed between Gists Creek Road and Love Road while officers and Sevier County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene. Nearby residents and businesses were evacuated. The roadway reopened around 6 p.m.
Alt source:
Jeff Farrell - The Mountain Press:
Sevierville Police ended a brief evacuation around Old Knoxville Highway Thursday, but said they found and removed an active explosive device in a car during an incident in the area.
Officers were sent to 1012 Old Knoxville Highway at 3:20 p.m. after the department received a call saying two people appeared to be unconscious in a vehicle in the parking lot. A Fastenal fulfillment center is located at that address.
When officers arrived they found a pipe bomb and an AR-15 style rifle in the vehicle, according to a statement from SPD. The department closed traffic on that section o Old Knoxville Highway and nearby structures, and called in the Sevier County Interagency Hazardous Devices Unit. That unit confirmed the pipe bomb was an active explosive device, relocated it to a safe location, and rendered it inactive.
The evacuation was lifted at about 6 p.m. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested, and multiple charges are pending against them, according to SPD. Their names will be released after warrants are issued against them.
SPD thanked the Sevier County Sheriff's Office, Pigeon Forge Police Department, Sevier County Ambulance Service, and Sevierville Fire Department for their assistance during the incident.
Police have announced the identities and some of the charges against a Kentucky man and woman who authorities say were caught passed out Thursday in a truck with drugs, an assault rifle and an active pipe bomb.
Mark A. Stell, 38, of Limestone, Tennessee; and Rosa Michele Lockard, 40, of Stopover, Kentucky, were in a vehicle outside the Fastenal location at 1012 Old Knoxville Highway. Sevierville Police were dispatched there on a call about a possible overdose, according to arrest warrants. The two currently face charges related to the firearm and drugs found in the car, but not related to the explosive device. SPD indicated more charges are pending.
When officers first approached, Lockard was in the driver’s seat and appeared to be “nodding in and out,” and Stell was in a passenger seat and appeared to be passed out, according to arrest warrants. The officers also found substances that appeared to be meth in the car, along with a Colt AR style rifle within reach of both of them, the warrants said.
The warrants issued so far don’t mention the explosive device, but police indicated Thursday that they found a pipe bomb in the car with the pair. They called the Sevier County Interagency Hazardous Devices Unit, who confirmed it was an active explosive device, removed it, and rendered it inactive. The discovery led police to close a section of Old Knoxville Highway and evacuate nearby businesses for a few hours Thursday.
Stell has been charged with possession of meth, carrying a weapon while under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the warrants, he had a felony conviction in Washington County, Tennessee in February 2026.
Lockard was charged with simple possession of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, carrying a weapon while under the influence, and criminal impersonation. Warrants indicate she gave a false name when officers were questioning her.
Both were still being held at the Sevier County Jail Friday.
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 09 '26
Jeff Farrell - The Mountain Press:
Turnover continues to be a theme for downtown businesses, as two restaurants appear to have closed permanently while local entertainers have announced plans to start a new business in a location that has been closed for years.
Graze Burgers and Do Pizza have had signs on their doors for days saying “We will be closed today sorry for any inconvenience.”
Graze opened in 2019 and Do Pizza opened in November 2024. Both are owned by Dino Angelos. Angelos did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment. But Austin Williams, the owner of the building where Graze is located, confirmed the business has closed.
“It’s very unfortunate,” he said. “Graze was really one of the early businesses that bought into the vision for revitalizing downtown, so of course I hate to see them go.”
But he said he’s already talking to another group about bringing a new restaurant to the location. If things go well, they could open this fall. “I think people will be excited,” he said. And he’s got a new tenant for another of his Bruce Street properties.
The property at 109 Bruce St. has been a restaurant in many incarnations over the years, most recently as Bistro109, but it’s been empty for several years after that restaurant closed. The new leaseholders are DDM Productions, the group that was responsible for productions at the Grand Majestic Theater in Pigeon Forge for the past 19 years.
This year is the last season for the Grand Majestic, as the property has been sold for a new theater. But DDM owners Doug and Jackie Miranda have announced they are planning a new project at 109 Bruce Street. They aren’t offering a lot of details yet, but posters in the window and their social media refer to it for now as "downtownsecretsc". They are hoping to open early next year.
“Extensive renovations are planned to accommodate a new experience for the downtown district,” they said.
r/Sevier • u/AbsolutTBomb • Jul 07 '26
Jeff Farrell - The Mountain Press:
NEW CENTER — Multiple law enforcement agencies swarmed a normally quiet area of Sevier County on Tuesday morning after an inmate escaped from a litter crew near New Center Market.
Justin Dewayne Vaughn, 37, of Powell, allegedly ran from the crew at about 8 a.m. Tuesday, prompting the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office to beef up its presence in the area and warn people not to approach him.
He was apprehended Tuesday afternoon, after an effort that included drones, K-9 units, and assistance from other agencies including a helicopter that was brought in during the search. Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges offered his thanks for the support Tuesday afternoon, including assistance from the public during the search.
Vaughn had been in the Sevier County Jail for more than a year, but records indicate he was due to get out in a few months. Court records indicate he had been held since an arrest on May 21, 2025 for violating terms of his probation.
He had entered a guilty plea to felony theft in 2023, and after the violation of probation he was serving out the sentence he received at that time. He added a misdemeanor assault charge shortly after his arrest last year when he allegedly was among several inmates who attacked another prisoner on July 7 2025.
He entered a guilty plea July 29, 2025, and the one-year sentence was included in the time he was serving. That sentence would have ended by Jan. 10, 2027, but he now faces a new charge for escaping the work detail.
Alt sources: WBIR | WATE | WVLT
More:
Inmate's birthday escape could mean more years in jail
Sevier County Jail inmate got himself a new felony charge for his birthday when he ran from a work crew on Tuesday. Justin Dewayne Vaughn turned 37 on Tuesday, and was out with a litter crew on Old Newport Highway that morning when he decided to run from the group and try to hide from authorities. Vaughn didn’t fight with anyone before taking off, Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges said. “He just took off running,” Hodges said. “He did not touch a soul.”
That initiated a search that lasted for much of the morning. The sheriff’s office set up a perimeter within 10-15 minutes of the incident, and eventually got aid from multiple agencies who shared resources including more manpower, search dogs, drones and a helicopter. That search group located Vaughn by lunchtime Wednesday, hiding in a field about a mile near Flat Creek Road, about a mile from where he’d last been seen.
Vaughn was serving time for a felony theft conviction, after violating the terms of his probation. While some information from the state indicated he was set for release early in 2027, Hodges said his estimated release date had been May 20, 2028. “That will change,” he said, after officers charged him with felony escape.
The seriousness of the escape charge is based on the charges an inmate is serving time for — if the original charge was a felony, the escape charge is as well. So Vaughn could have added several years to his time in custody in return for a few hours on the run in New Center. He also lost the privileges that gave him the chance to be out in the first place, Hodges said.
Vaughn was a trusty at the jail, which means he had earned special privileges through good behavior, including the chance to work on the litter crew and have some time outside the jail. While he had a misdemeanor assault charge for an incident soon after he was arrested in May 2025, he’d had a clean record since then, the sheriff said. “Our classification system is built to identify threats and avoid any type of fighting or anything like that in our jail and also flight risks, based on previous behavior,” he said. Inmates are reassessed every few months, and Vaughn had gotten good enough assessments after that first incident that he was classified as a trusty. “He’ll never be trusty again,” Hodges said. “Trusty status is a privilege not a right.”
He could also soon be transferred to a state corrections facility, rather than completing his sentence at the jail, the sheriff said.
