East Tennessee Now

Catch up on road projects going on in East Tennessee with

Mark Nagi, the Community Relations Officer at the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Nagi gives us a recap on how the winter weather affected the roads,  updates us on the

bridge resurfacing project, and we talk potholes and the widening of Alcoa Highway. Report

potholes: 865-594-2408. Smartway.TN.gov

Ready for a night out? InterFaith Health Clinic is hosting

its annual Casino Royale at the Foundry in April. Missy Standifer runs down the

night of fun and how it helps the working poor get the health care they need.

Sevier County has a new emergency alert system in place. It involves an outdoor alert component, as well as a "Code Red" for text, phone and email alerts. Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller and EMA Director Joe Ayers explain how the new system works and encourages residents to sign up for the Code Red Alerts: 

http://www.seviercountytn.org/

The Restoration House in East Tennessee is expanding. They will be able to help more than 20 single moms and their kids at a time. That's compared to eight previously. Marisa Lykins shares the success of this program since 2007 and how volunteers can help.

The Knoxville Convention Center is jam packed with dozens of

power boats, wake surf boats, pontoons,  jet skis, paddle boards and

everything else that goes with boating.  Ryan Jones steps ashore and explains everything you can find this week, (March 8-11) under one roof for the lake, including safety courses. 

Also - getting kids up and moving! K-Town Kids is a LIVE music and exercise program for pre-schools, public schools, after-school programs, and private parties. Scott Connatser (on guitar) and Crystal Yexley (on vocals) perform a couple of their new songs from their 3rd CD. They also share their inspiration for writing and producing the children's songs. The kids will love "Bubblegum!"

As East Tennessee deals with the opioid epidemic, there are places to turn for help, healing and support. Celebrate Recovery North is one of them. The church focuses on several different issues. Check them out during an upcoming fundraiser called "Party with a Purpose."

northknoxcr.org

Lexus of Knoxville is collecting teddy bears and all kinds of stuffed animals, new and gently used ones. Local first responders will use them in emergency situations involving kids. The toys help kids focus on something other than the crisis going around them.

Did you know we have a Guinea Pig rescue here in Knoxville? Here all about these little fellas, how to adopt and care for them.

Several concerts over the course of the spring and summer will benefit Maryville's Second Harvest Food Bank. Aaron Snukals shares the exciting line-up and how to get tickets to the shows at the outdoor ampitheater in Knoxville.

Catharsis is an up-scale fashion show like no other in East Tennessee. The Aaron White Project explains his plans that will benefit the charity, BreastConnect.org.  

On March 4th, a local family will be hosting a fun and competitive run for 5k and 10k runners. It's called GLOWforGalectosemia.com. Hear about this disorder and how you can help fund research thru this family event.

Do you want to work at the most amazing and rewarding places in Tennessee? Dollywood is hiring and there's a job fair coming up! Kim Ramsey tells us how to apply! Wes Ramey gives a brief preview of the upcoming season!

Do you like to plan your weekends out? Maybe you have family coming into to town. Erin Slocum, Executive Director tells us how Knoxville Weekend can help you decide where to go to eat and have fun!

It only happens every other year and this is one of them! The Akima Club of Knoxville's Cabaret! Pat Bryant and Wendy Hopper share the excitement of "Happily Ever After?"

The Knoxville Convention Center is being transformed into gardens, kitchens, baths, and more for the Dogwood Arts House and Garden Show. Executive Director, Sherry Jenkins and Media Coordinator Shannon Herron run down all the details. 

The Knox County Sheriff's Office is teaming up with Lexus of Knoxville to collect new and gently used stuffed animals. These toys are handed out by first responders in emergency situations, to help distract children and allow them to focus on something other than the crisis surrounding them. KCSO Chief Deputy Lee Tramel and Knoxville Fire Department's Chaplain Paul Trumpore tell us how the Comfort Bear program works and how you can help.

February is the month of love! You can find your

ultimate "soulmutt' on Sunday during Puppy Speed dating at Crafty Bastard Brewery.

And there will also be a puppy cuddle bus.. Karen, Missy and Mel (all volunteer fosters) say it might be the best ten minutes of

your life! Puppy Speed Dating and the Puppy Cuddle Bus benefits the small breed

rescue of east Tennessee.

This weekend is not only the Super Bowl, but also the Kibble Bowl. Kim Cantrell of Knoxville Pays it Forward is collecting small bags of dog and cat food to not only to help elderly folks feed their pets but to help local rescues and shelters as well.

On Tuesday, January 30th, local veterans are invited to attend the annual TVBA Business Expo and Job Fair. Steven Stilts and Katie Eastman, program ambassadors, explain the benefits of attending and being a member of the TVBA.

www.GoTVBA.com

has more info.

Also - something unique for Valentine's Day. "Sweets to the Sweet" sends a bundt cake to someone special with a special note and it benefits Interfaith Health Clinic. Missy Stadifer tells us how to order your treat, what the clinic does and who it helps.

Also- Volunteer drivers are needed for Knox County's Community Action Committee Volunteers Assisted Transportation Program. The director,  Nancy Welch and a volunteer explain the requirements and need.

Beat the Winter Blues with this fabulous night at Stanley Greenhouse with music, food and beverages, and special discounts on plants. Sue Beverly explains how it benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Knoxville.

Catching up with Kim. President of Visit Knoxville, Kim Bumpas joins us to talk about 2018 in Knoxville. Find out how Ktown is getting physical in the new year and on "PACE!"