An intense thunderstorm with high winds rolled through last night causing downed trees, power outages and some structural damage.

Maryville Daily Times

Maryville’s Water Distribution Plan has experienced a pipe burst, flooding the pump room and likely taking 36 hours to repaired.

According to the city’s website, customers are advised to limit internal water consumption to only what is necessary and to refrain from running laundry and other large water consuming functions until the system can be supplemented with surrounding assistance.

It's a sad day in Blount County, Maryville, and Alcoa.

Maryville-Alcoa-Blount County Parks & Rec presents a free summer concert series held during the months of August, September and October in Springbrook Park. The series will focus on Americana, folk and blues genres featuring performances by regional and local musicians. Springbrook is a beautiful park in the Alcoa community featuring nearby trails, playgrounds and indoor facilities (in case of rain). A perfect setting for outdoor summer concerts! You can relax and enjoy the music, then walk around and visit with some of our onsite vendors like Maryville Farmer’s Market and more.

I attended the first hour of the August 11, 2016, concert. It was very enjoyable. I loved the Drop Dead Dangerous musical artists.

Upcoming concerts:

September 8, 2016
Musical artists include: Kirk Fleta, Scott McMahan, Tommie John, and Robinella

September 22, 2016
Musical artists include: The Dirty Dougs, Jesse Gregory Keen, and EmiSunshine

October 6, 2016
Musical artists include: Ryan Sheley, Count This Penny, Chuck Johnson and Charleyhorse

Concerts are held from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Parking is available on either side of the Springbrook gym.
Local barbecue is available. Southland Books usually has food. I bought locally grown strawberries at the first concert.

Bring a chair or blanket. Sit around and enjoy the beautiful evenings of music.

Blount County Election - State Primary and County General

08/04/2016: 12,061 Voters
(??.?% voter turnout) *
(28% decrease from 2008)
(5% decrease from 2012)

08/02/2012: 12,688 Voters
(17.3% voter turnout)
(24% decrease from 2008)

08/07/2008: 16,747 Voters
(23.3% voter turnout)

In the 8/7/2008 election, the most votes were for CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE Division II. This was a highly contested race between Mike Meares (DEM - 6,451 votes) and David Duggan (REP - 9,584 votes).

* Waiting on voter turnout numbers. It is possible the number of registered voters decreased from the previous years due to purging of voter records.

Jackie Hill is a great asset to the community. She was born and raised in Alcoa, TN. She graduated with honors from Tennessee State University and University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in chemistry, respectively.

Ms. Hill worked at Eastman Kodak for 25 years, retiring in 2001 as a division manager. After retiring, she returned to Blount County. Jackie has worked hard for the community. With the assistance of local governments Jackie built the Elizabeth Jackson Hill Memorial Garden in Alcoa in honor of her mother. Later with a grant from Lowe's, she and her neighbors built small gardens along Hall Road in Alcoa.

Ms. Hill has served on many charitable and civic boards in Blount County. She wants to give back to a county that nurtured and supported her as she was growing up.

Elect Jackie Hill for Blount County Clerk.

As a Democrat it pains me to say it, but Sen. Doug Overbey should be reelected. His opponent is attacking his conservative credentials and outside special interests are pouring money into attacks against Overbey in an effort to defeat him in the primary. Most of it is lies and misinformation.

Unfortunately for us Democrats, Sen. Overbey's conservative credentials are plenty solid. But, he usually comes down on the right (as in correct) side of issues that actually matter to the people of Blount County and Tennessee regardless of party or political beliefs.

His opponent appears to be mostly concerned about our 2nd Amendment rights. Last time I checked, anybody in Blount County who wants a gun and can legally own one already has one or can easily get one. Sen. Overbey hasn't taken anyone's guns away and hasn't threatened to. I'm not clear on why this is even an issue.

See also: Daily Times endorses Sen. Overbey

Daily Times: Blount County highway superintendent candidate says Department will not do business with former company

Interim Blount County Highway Superintendent Jeff Headrick, who is running for election to the office, insists his former business, Volunteer Excavating LLC, does not and will not do any business for the county.

According to the article, his wife has taken over the business and he is no longer involved.

Blount County Democratic Party is holding an Election Rally and Ice Cream Social/Dessert Auction

When: Saturday, July 16, 2016
Time: 4 - 7 PM

Where: Greenbelt Pavilion near the Courthouse

Meet your local candidates:
Jackie Hill for County Clerk
Homer White for County Commission, 5th District

Donations accepted.

The Blount Democratic Party is holding a Headquarters Opening Party.

Information on Candidates and Election Information as well as signs will be available. Light Refreshments

Saturday July 9th at 2pm.

Location: 369 Sanderson St. Alcoa.

Across from Midland Plaza and Regions Bank and around the next building beside The Soup Kitchen.

Maryville dogs and dog-lovers gathered Saturday, May 14, in Bicentennial Greenbelt Park to celebrate the grand opening and leash-cutting of the long-awaited PetSafe Dog Park at Pistol Creek.

Can't wait to check it out.

Blount County Parks & Recreation

Visit a Park Day

Thursday, May 5, 2016
2 - 5 PM

Activities held at Springbrook and Sandy Springs Parks.
Lots of fun and games, free giveaways and healthy snacks!

Sears Holdings announced today that they are closing 78 more stores by this summer. The Kmart at 945 McCammon Ave in Maryville is one of the stores being closed.

The Maryville Farmers' Market opens this Saturday, April 23, 2016. There will be a craft market as well.

9:00 am – noon or until vendors sell-out.

Located in the heart of downtown Maryville on Church Ave. near CBBC Bank.

The Budweiser Clydesdales are in town for the Smoky Mountain air show.

They will also be at the new Maryville Kroger.

Date: Friday, April 15, 2016

Time: 1:00 PM