Rock Slide Closes I-40

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (from WATE TV web site) -- A massive rockslide that happened early Sunday has blocked a portion of Interstate 40 in both directions. The blockage occurred at mile marker 2.6 in North Carolina, near the Tennessee state line. Both east and westbound lanes are blocked. Authorities discovered the rock slide just after 2 a.m. after a driver notified them of being struck by falling rock.

The rubble from the slide is 50 feet high and stretches at least 100 feet long. Authorities say there were wrecks with minor injuries relating to this incident. The Tennessee Department of Transportation and North Carolina Department of Transportation have set up barriers to reroute traffic. Engineers on site are initially estimating several months to complete the cleanup and have traffic flow back to normal. Crews will have to work from the top of the rubble, down to the bottom.

It's leaf season and since you already are being forced to take a long detour, why not take the scenic route and enjoy the view? (see video below for details and map of routes)

If heading East into North Carolina, Cocke County suggests that folks use I-40 Exit 432 or 435 and take Highway 25/70 (scenic route) to North Carolina. Fall leaves are reaching peak and Newport businesses are waiting to welcome you.

Heading west from Asheville on I-40
1) Take Exit 27/US 74/Great Smoky Mountains Expressway.
2) Turn right onto US 441 North (toward Cherokee).
3) Follow US 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
4) In Gatlinburg, turn right onto US 321 and follow to I-40.
5) You'll rejoin I-40 near Newport, TN, just across the NC/TN state line.

[Click Here] to download a brochure containing information and maps relating to the rock slide.

Joining America's Byways

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces America's Byways R
Designations for 2009.

Details are <a href="http://www.easttennesseecrossingbyway.org/">HERE</a>

Bill Landry to speak in Newport

Bill Landry has been the voice, host/narrator, and co-producer of The Heartland Series since it was conceived on WBIR-TV, Channel 10 in 1984, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This year marks the 25th. year of “The Heartland Series. Since it began, over 1,900 short features have been produced, including over 150 half-hour specials. The program, which started as a series of five-minute features about the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains, continues to celebrate the people and the land of the entire Appalachian region. Bill has written and directed many of the episodes.

In 1999, Bill received an Emmy Award for directing and an honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from Lincoln Memorial University. In 2000, he received the “Education in Appalachia” award from Carson Newman College, and his second Emmy Award in directing.

Bill’s recent work, “William Bartram – An Unlikely Explorer” is being presented in 2009, and he continues to speak regularly, ‘Untold Heartland Tales - Told Again!,” and on the people and the land of the Appalachian region.

On September 20, 2009 Bill Landry will be speaking at Newport Presbyterian Church at 9:30 AM. The public is welcome, admission is free. More information is available at www.NewportPresbyterianChurch.org.

An Afternoon in the Park with Luke

The Tourism Council will host "An Afternoon in the Park with Luke" on August 2nd at 2 p.m. at the Cosby Campground's Amphitheater.  Selections will include traditional Appalachian music along with Broadway show tunes and opera.

Luke Grooms is a native Cocke Countian who has performed at The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall.

Hope to see you there!

Rocky Top Car Show

Click the title above to go to their web site for full details.
Click the image for a larger version.

First Saturday Mountain Strings Gathering

Fiddlin With Music
“First Saturday Mountain Strings Gathering”

You are invited to our Old-time Mountain Music Gathering, Saturday, March the 7th at 12 noon Until, at the East Tennessee Coffee Co., 238 E. Broadway Newport, Tn. 37821, across from the Newport Hardware store. Parking available behind the coffee shop. Bring your instrument and join in or have fun watching, everyone is welcome.

Contact Info:
David McClary 423-487-0479 http://fiddlinwithmusic.com/
East Tn. Coffee Co. 423-532-8041 havacup@tncoffeeco.com

5.6 Km SEAL Extreme Off-road Challenge

Who:
Smoky Mountain Endeavors, Inc. Owners Dan and Colleen Schreder

What:
5.6Km SEAL Extreme Off-road Challenge and 2.2Km Mini-Challenge
Multiple age and gender categories. G&B 12 and Under mini-challenge categories.
Several awards will be presented.

When:
Saturday, April 4th, 2009
7:00-9:00 sign in / registration
9:00 Mini-Challenge Event
9:30 Extreme Challenge Event

Where:
Cosby, TN (map and directions on website)

How/Why this came about:
Recently retired US Navy SEAL relocated his family to the Smokies. Wanted to provide a unique race/fitness event to this beautiful area. A portion of the proceeds will assist a local interest; SME has teamed up with Head Coach Tyler Shelton of the Cosby Eagle high school football program.

Event Description:
Off-road running/fitness event. The course is challenging both physically and mentally. Designed and hosted by a retired Navy SEAL. Jeep, ATV, and hiking paths wind participants through woods, across mountain tops, slogs them through shallow ponds and creek beds, puts them up against both natural and man-made obstacles such as hop-over walls, log balances, log hurdles, and a near vertical hillside rope climb. The course boasts nearly 2,400ft of combined ascent and descent. This is a course like no other… participants should come prepared to get dirty, wet, muddy, sweaty, and tired!

Website for race and contact information: http://www.smokymountainendeavors.com/
Phone: (423) 200-9935